Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Avalanche hazard should spike overnight and tapper in to Sunday, as a frontal system passes our area. Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain early in the day, especially if the storm continues a little longer than is forecast.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We are expecting a natural cycle of avalanches overnight, triggered by moderate snowfall and strong winds. Natural activity will likely tapper off into Sunday, but should be factored into your morning route plan.
Snowpack Summary
Incoming new snow will bury facetted wind effect and settled powder.
The deep persistent weakness near the base of the snowpack consists of rounding facets, as well as a decomposing crust in some locations.
Weather Summary
We're going to get a solid dose of low density snow overnight into Sunday, as a frontal system collides with the arctic air that's been parked over our area this past week.
Tonight: Snow (10-15cm). Alpine low -12 °C. Moderate-strong SW winds @ridgetop.
Sunday: Flurries (10cm). Alpine high -9 °C. Light gusting to strong SW wind.
Monday: Isolated flurries. Low -16 °C, High -12 °C. Light SW wind.
Tuesday: Flurries (5cm). Low -16 °C, High -10 °C. Light variable winds.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Moderate snowfall and strong winds overnight will build fresh storm slabs in all exposed terrain. With plenty of low density snow available for entrainment, expect avalanches to run far and fast.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Dry
Watch for dry loose avalanches in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2