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RegisterJan 2nd, 2024–Jan 3rd, 2024
Glacier.
Avalanche danger may be low, but a persistent weak layer lies within range for human triggering. Isolated avalanches near Rogers Pass have surprised a few folks recently, so don't turn your brain off!
The snowpack is at record low levels with many hazards above or just below the surface. Allow extra time for your descent and exit.
No new avalanches were observed yesterday. The weekend saw warm temps trigger a loose, wet avalanche cycle. One of these avalanches stepped down to the Dec 1st surface hoar layer, triggering a large slab avalanche. This is indicative that a large load, or a smaller load in a shallow, faceted zone, can step down to the deep, persistent weak layers in the snowpack.
~5cm of recent snow overlies variable old surfaces: sun crust on solar aspects; windslab in the alpine and exposed tree-line locations. Sheltered N aspects hold soft snow.
Below 2100m there is a strong rain crust down 40-60cm (from Dec 5th/6th).
The Dec 1 surface hoar, down 60-100cm, has seen isolated deep pockets "pop" out in steeper, alpine terrain.
In shallow areas at upper elevations, the base of the snowpack is faceted and unsupportive.
Light winds, mild temps, and minimal snowfall. No major weather input in the next few days to change the avalanche danger.
Tonight: Mix of moon/cloud, Alp low -6°C, light SE winds.
Wed: Cloudy/isolated flurries, light ridge winds, high -4°C, 1700m freezing level (FZL) .
Thurs: Cloudy/flurries, 5cm, light SW winds, high -5°C, 1300m FZL.
Fri: Flurries, 5cm, Alp high -7°C, light SW winds, 1100m FZL