Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Pay attention to the effects of the sun as the day warms up. Many loose wet avalanches were observed on Wednesday afternoon.
Weather Forecast
The ridge of high pressure remains intact through Friday bringing clear skies and light west to northwest winds. Cool temperatures overnight but the afternoon effect of the sun will be strong. Freezing levels forecast to be around 2000 m. Minor flurries expected on Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
20-30 cm of low density storm snow over-top of a well settled mid-pack. The Feb 11 surface hoar can be found down 50-60 cm in isolated locations around treeline. Where found this layer is producing moderate results. The Jan 6th layer (down 80-120 cm) is gaining strength and producing hard to no results. South aspects becoming moist in afternoon.
Avalanche Summary
Many loose wet snow avalanches up to size 1.5 observed on Wednesday, otherwise no recent slab avalanches reported. Note that many recent slab avalanches were reported in the last week in the neighboring Banff, Yoho & Kootenay bulletin region.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Relatively high freezing levels and the strong effects from the sun will create loose wet snow avalanches on solar aspects in the afternoon.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
80-130 cm of snow overlies the Jan 6th layer of surface hoar, facets and sun crust. This layer is gaining strength in the region but should be watched for at treeline and above. Be aware of isolated pockets of Feb 11 SH down 40 to 60cm in the area.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Wind Slabs
Isolated wind slabs exist in lee alpine terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2