Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
A warm, cohesive storm slab is perched atop either a crust on solar aspects, or surface hoar/facets on polar aspects.
With this knowledge, be aware of the possibility of remote triggering an avalanche onto yourself or others around you.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Natural avalanche activity has decreased with the dropping temps. Monday's artillery control produced good results, with numerous avalanches from sz 2 to 4 propagating widely on the crust and/or the surface hoar/facet combo from March 31.
On Sunday, an experienced group remote-triggered an avalanche on a NE facing slope by the Cleaver, injuring 1 person.
Snowpack Summary
35cm of storm snow and strong, gusty SW winds have formed a reactive storm slab, thicker in lee features. This slab is propagating and stepping down to the March 31 layer (crust on solar aspects, facet/surface hoar on polar aspects).
The snowpack is generally strong. However, the Nov 17 basal weakness can still be found near the ground in many locations.
Weather Summary
Continuing unsettled weather for Wed, then a clearing trend for the end of the week.
Tonight: Isolated flurries, Alp low -9*C, moderate W winds, 700m FZL
Wed: Cloudy with some sun, Alp high -5*C, light NW winds, 1700m FZL
Thurs: Mix of sun and cloud, Alp high -5*C, light NW winds, 1700m FZL
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
The new storm slabs require more time to bond with the underlying surface. These slabs sit on crusts on solar aspects, surface hoar/facets on N'ly slopes, and may have a propensity to propagate widely (10-50m) underfoot.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Deep Persistent Slabs
There has been no activity on this layer for several weeks, but the recent warming and precipitation could be enough to re-activate this layer. Lower, rain-soaked elevations may be more likely to see deep releases to ground.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 4