Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 24th, 2016–Feb 25th, 2016
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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