[DM]

Avalanche Bulletin - Glacier National Park

Issued Mon May 06, 2013 08:16
Valid Until Tue May 07, 2013 08:00
Access information is available at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.

It feels like summer in the valley, but avalanche conditions continue in the mountains. Expect avalanche danger to increase to HIGH with daytime warming. Bulletins may be updated if conditions change.

        

Danger Ratings: Monday

alpine treeline below treeline alpine: N/A - No Rating, treeline: N/A - No Rating, below treeline: N/A - No Rating
alpine: N/A - No Rating
N/A - No Rating N/A
N/A
treeline: N/A - No Rating
N/A - No Rating N/A
N/A
below treeline: N/A - No Rating
N/A - No Rating N/A
N/A
Forecast Tuesday Wednesday
alpine
 N/A - No Rating N/A - No Rating
treeline N/A - No Rating N/A - No Rating
below treeline N/A - No Rating N/A - No Rating
Confidence: Good

Weather Observations

Past 24 Hr WeatherFidelity 1905mRogers Pass 1315m
Maximum (°C)1613
Minimum (°C)7-1.5
Snowfall (cm)00
Snow Pack (cm)30085
Wind speedLight (1-25 km/h)Light (1-25 km/h)
Ridgetop wind directionSESE
Past 24 Hr WeatherFidelity 1905mRogers Pass 1315m
Maximum (°C)1613
Minimum (°C)7-1.5
Snowfall (cm)00
Snow Pack (cm)30085
Wind speedLight (1-25 km/h)Light (1-25 km/h)
Ridgetop wind directionSESE
Low Moderate Considerable High Extreme
  • Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
  • Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.
  • Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.
  • Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
  • Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.
  • Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.
  • Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.
  • Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.
  • Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.
  • Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
  • Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely.
  • Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.
  • Avoid all avalanche terrain.
  • Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain.
  • Large to very large avalanches in many areas.

Problem 1: Loose Wet

Which Elevation?

Which Elevation? below treeline, treeline, alpine

Which Slopes?

Which Slopes? northwest, west, southwest, southeast, east, north, northeast, south

Chance of Avalanches?

Chance of Avalanches? very Likely

Expected Size?

Expected Size? small - large

The spring avalanche cycle will continue as long as the sun lasts. Expect loose avalanches at all elevations. With little to no overnight freeze they will start when the sun hits the slopes.

Travel and Terrain Advice

  • Avoid exposure to sun exposed slopes.
  • Travel early on frozen crusts before the heat of the day.

Problem 2: Persistent Slabs

Which Elevation?

Which Elevation? alpine, treeline

Which Slopes?

Which Slopes? north, northwest, west, southwest, southeast, south, east, northeast

Chance of Avalanches?

Chance of Avalanches? likely

Expected Size?

Expected Size? large - very large

Large slab avalanches have been occurring. Small cornice falls and loose avalanches are triggering slabs that are propagating widely and running well down the avalanche paths and into fans. 

Travel and Terrain Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.
  • Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.
@ParksMountainSafety @ParksMountainSafety
Facebook Facebook

Avalanche Bulletins

For More Details

Emergency: 1 (877) 852-3100
Forecasters: (250) 837-7500

Archives