Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
The upper snowpack is in a period of change as temperatures rise, and more snow falls. It is a good day for conservative decision making, and always ski/ride your line one at a time!
Weather Forecast
A Pacific frontal system moves over Rogers Pass today, bringing with it: rising temperatures, new snow, and possibly wind. There is also a chance that an above freezing layer (AFL), could bring rain to mid elevations and freezing rain or ice pellets to valley bottoms. Today we are expecting Flurries 9cm of new snow, FL rising to 1500m and mod wind.
Snowpack Summary
Fresh storm slabs are building today, burying old wind slabs and facets from last week's cold temperatures. The mid-lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. The Dec 27th surface hoar/crust down 100cm and currently dormant.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous avalanches were observed in the Highway Corridor yesterday up to size 2.5, including a skier accidental size 2 on MacDonald West Shoulder # 4(see photo here). Several MINs were reported as well; A size 1 storm slab on Video Peak, another size 1 in the grizzly area, and a size 1 wind slab also in the Connaught drainage.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
New snow, previous strong wind and warm temperatures are great ingredients for slab avalanches. Storm slabs have been, and will continue to be most reactive on steep, unsupported/cross-loaded terrain features.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5