Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Glacier National Park
Another spring day! Manage your day to avoid exposure to south facing slopes in the afternoon as avalanche hazard increases.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid exposure to overhead slopes with Glide Cracks. Avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.
- Minimize exposure when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Recent storm snow appears to be bonding well, however heavily wind loaded areas remain a concern for skier triggering.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.
Avalanche Summary
A widespread loose wet avalanche cycle was observed yesterday afternoon in the backcountry and highway corridor. Numerous size 1.5-2.5 loose wet avalanches ran from steep rocky terrain during the heat of the day.
Snowpack Summary
We are entering a typical spring pattern of daytime warming and overnight freezing that is turing moist surface snow into a crust by morning. Dry snow still exists on shaded aspects at high elevations. Cornices and wind loaded pockets lurk above treeline. The April 7th crust is now down 50-70cm and still a concern.
Weather Forecast
A mix of sun and cloud today with isolated convective flurries. Light SW winds gusting to 40km/h, freezing levels rising to 2100m and an alpine high of zero. A low pressure system tracks inland this evening bringing 9cm of accumulation today and 8cm for Saturday. High pressure builds again late sunday, with freezing levels climbing to 3000m Monday.
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Loose wet avalanches can be expected as daytime warming and solar radiation pushes freezing levels upwards of 2100m. The hazard below tree line will increase this afternoon as surface snow becomes moist. Take care to exit the mountains safely.