Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Glacier National Park
With the addition of last night's new snow, careful evaluation of the December 15 surface hoar layer should be a part of your decision making process.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Dry
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
The December 15 surface hoar layer is widespread around treeline and buried 60cm. Cold temps have kept the slab from gaining cohesion, but it may be reactive on steep unsupported and/or wind affected terrain.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Watch for signs of slab formation, such as whumpfing and shooting cracks.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed yesterday.
Snowpack Summary
20cm of new snow fell overnight with relatively light winds and cold temperatures. An isolated surface hoar/ facet layer (December 27) is buried 20cm. The Dec 15 surface hoar layer, which is widespread at treeline, is buried 60cm. Cold temperatures have hindered slab development in the upper snowpack.
Weather Forecast
Cloudy with sunny periods as last night's storm exits the province. A slight alpine temperature inversion is in place, although temps will remain cold with an alpine high of -13. Ridge winds will be light from the east. The next round of precipitation arrives this evening with 8cm forecast for tonight with cold temps and periods of strong winds.
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With 20cm of new cold dry powder, natural and human triggered avalanches are expected in steep terrain. It is possible for small loose avalanches to trigger deeper instabilities, especially near ridge lines or where Dec 15 surface hoar is preserved.