Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Glacier National Park
Spring is here! Daily warming and solar radiation will cause the avalanche hazard to rise throughout the day. Loose wet avalanches are certain on steep solar aspects.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Strong south winds and recent storm snow have created wind slabs. Expect these slabs to be most reactive at ridgetop or in steep unsupported terrain. Today is forecast to be sunny and the strong solar radiation to make the windslab more reactive.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Avalanche Problem 3: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Sun crusts are buried 30-60 cm on steep solar aspects. This interface provides a smooth bed surface and may contribute to larger than expected avalanches. It is possible for smaller avalanches to trigger this lingering problem.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Avalanche Summary
Yesterday we experienced a significant natural avalanche cycle due to warm temps forecast and strong solar radiation. This cycle kicked off in the afternoon with size 3 moist loose avalanches running well below treeline to the end of run outs. In Connaught the path "Frequent Flyer" ran to valley bottom, crossing the skin track. Pic Here
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack is beginning to transition to a spring snowpack. Yesterday's strong sun heated the surface then created a solid crust on solar asps. Above freezing temps at valley bottom have created a surface crust below ~1500m. The recent storm snow with strong Southerly winds created windslab in the alpine. Deep PWLs are and buried over 1.5m.
Weather Forecast
A strong upper ridge of high pressure is in place over much of the province bringing sunny skies and warm temperatures. In our region today we will see freezing levels at 1800m, an alpine high of -2 deg C and light ridge top wind. This warming trend will continue with freezing levels forecast to reach 2700m by mid week.
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Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep rocky terrain. Pay close attention to the effects of the sun on the avalanche terrain above you and avoid overhead exposure. With prolonged warm temps expect cornices to begin failing.