Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Glacier National Park
Avalanche activity will increase throughout the day as the warm alpine temperatures and sun begin to affect the snowpack.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Pay attention to sluffing off cliffs and steep solar terrain, signs of a warming snowpack.
Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
The Jan 4th and Dec 15 surface hoar layers are widespread around tree line and below, buried ~60cm and ~90cm respectively. The forecasted warm temps will further slab up the upper snow pack and avalanche activity is expected throughout the day.
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 natural avalanche cycle occurred yesterday afternoon with numerous sz 2.0 - 2.5 avalanches and several sz 3.0 - 3.5 avalanche from steep, solar facing terrain. The cycle occurred midday when solar radiation was at its highest.
Snowpack Summary
70cm of storm snow has settled into a slab over several weak layers, Jan 4th and Dec 15 surface hoar layers which are down ~60cm and ~90cm respectively. The snow load has made these layers reactive with sudden planar results showing high propagation potential, especially on steep solar aspects where the snow has been heated by the sun.
Weather Forecast
Valley cloud will linger all day, once above it you will be treated to sunny skies and warm temps as there is a temperature inversion, alpine high of +3 and 20 km/hr south east winds at ridge top. Alpine temps remained near or above zero over night. Snow forecasted for Tuesday evening (6mm) and more Wednesday night into Thursday (22mm)
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A temperature inversion kept alpine temperatures near or above zero degrees over night, the snowpack will weaken quickly with the suns effect. A natural avalanche cycle was observed yesterday afternoon from steep, rocky terrain on solar aspects.