Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Glacier National Park
Large avalanches are possible in isolated terrain features (couloirs, steep faces, etc). Evaluate the snowpack thoroughly before entering your line.
Avalanche Problem 1: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
15-35km/hr variable winds are forming pockets of wind slab in exposed areas in the alpine and at tree line. These slabs may have surface hoar or crust underneath, leading them to be sensitive to human triggering.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Variable winds have created pockets of wind slab on all aspects.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed yesterday.
Numerous natural avalanches from a few days ago up to sz 2.5 in steep terrain.
Snowpack Summary
50 cm of low density snow redistributed by variable winds in the alpine and tree line forming pockets of wind slab. Below tree line the storm snow remains unconsolidated and sits on the Dec 15 surface hoar which is widespread and largest where sheltered. In the alpine, Dec 15 is a thin crust on solar aspects and small surface hoar on polar aspects.
Weather Forecast
A strong ridge of high pressure is sitting over the region giving us clear sunny skies. The winds will be from the north in the 15-35km/hr range with an Alpine high of -17... bbrrr thats cold, bring an extra layer or two! The ridge of high pressure looks like it will persist until mid week, with no snow in the forecast until Wednesday.
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Recent storm snow is settling into a persistent slab which sits on the Dec 15 surface hoar. Expect the slab to be more sensitive as you transition into steep and/or wind effected terrain. Solar aspects have a thin crust layer below the slab.