Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 14th, 2016–Dec 15th, 2016

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Glacier.

Avalanches can occur, especially in extreme terrain, even though the danger rating is low. Have a look at our recent profiles to help you interpret the snowpack in Glacier National Park.

Weather Forecast

Plenty of sunshine today, with alpine highs around -13*C and light SE winds. Temperatures will drop on Thursday and then be their coldest on Friday. With no snow in the forecast until possibly Sunday, this Arctic Ridge has effectively blocked any moisture coming from the Pacific Ocean.

Snowpack Summary

Light snow over the weekend has hidden widespread hard wind slabs formed during the cold Arctic outbreak. Wind accompanying the new snow has formed thin surface slabs in the immediate lee of ridges and alpine features. Recent snowpack tests indicate both of these slabs are stubborn to initiate and move slowly if propagated.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed in the highway corridor in the last 72hrs, including during artillery explosive testing yesterday on Mt Macdonald.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.