Be watchful under avalanche paths, due to the likelihood of avalanches extending to the bottom of their paths. Strong winds have created large cornices that may be the perfect trigger for avalanches. Avalanche control will be ongoing today.
Weather Forecast
Snow flurries will taper off later today. Rising freezing levels and warm temperatures (possibly as high as +2) can be expected mid-day. There is a chance of convective snow squalls in isolated locations. Another ridge is building for the end of the week, bringing dryer conditions for the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
Glacier Park has received 30 cm of snow at treeline over the past two days. This overlies a sun crust (formed on Feb. 3rd) on solar aspects, and firm old snow elsewhere. Moderate to strong winds have redistributed this storm snow into soft and hard slabs in the alpine and treeline. Below this, the Feb. 23rd surface hoar is less reactive.
Avalanche Summary
A large natural avalanche (size 2.5) was observed by skiers in the Connaught drainage yesterday. It started low on Mt. Cheops (Cheops N. 4) and ran to 1/3 fan. Avalanches to size 2.5 were also observed in the highway corridor from Mt. MacDonald.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
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.