Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Glacier National Park
Human-triggered avalanches are likely with several buried surface hoar layers. It's time for conservative decision making.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
This interface has become reactive with the recent new loading and is most prevalent around treeline or sheltered areas the alpine. These avalanches are especially dangerous in terrain traps where debris can pile up.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
Avalanche Summary
A size 3 natural avalanche occurred Thursday morning on the SE face of 8812 peak. A field team observed evidence of a slightly older widespread natural avalanche cycle while traveling in Connaught Creek drainage. A second field team felt a large whumph while descending through an open glade in the Hermit area.
Snowpack Summary
10cm fell overnight adding to 70cm of snowfall in the past week. This storm snow has settled into a slab over several weak layers. Jan 4th surface hoar is down 50cm and the Dec 15 surface hoar persistent weak layer is down around 100cm. The recent snow load has made these layers reactive with sudden planar results showing high propagation potential
Weather Forecast
Today is a day of transition in the weather pattern. The flow is becoming more Southerly and bringing warmer temps & moisture eventually. Freezing level will climb to 1200m this afternoon. We can expect cloudy skies with some sunny periods and light flurries with no significant precipitation are expected. Wind at mountain top will be SW 20-30.
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A reactive storm slab continues to build & warming temps in the next couple days will make it more touchy. The slab is poorly bonded in areas where the Jan 4 surface hoar is well preserved. If triggered avalanches could step down to the Dec 15th PWL.