Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 2nd, 2025–Jan 3rd, 2025

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Little Yoho.

The storm snow from the last week is upwards of 40cm, is remaining low density and beginning to facet, so watch for sluffing out of steep terrain.

If the wind picks up, it will quickly develop windslabs.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported from this region on Jan 2nd.

A loose dry cycle occurred 48-72 hours ago.

Snowpack Summary

25-45 cm unconsolidated storm snow has fallen over the past six days, with very little wind. This overlies a 110-130 cm snowpack with a strong mid-pack but a weak crust/facet layer near the ground. The distribution and strength of this layer varies, but conditions in the deeper snowpack of the Little Yoho region are better than areas further east in BYK. With the amount of snow available for transport, expect conditions to change quickly with any wind loading.

Weather Summary

Tonight: Mainly cloudy. 30 percent chance of flurries this evening. Wind west 20 km/h becoming light late this evening. Low minus 16.

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. Becoming cloudy near noon then snow. Local amount 2 cm. Wind up to 15 km/h. High minus 11.

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with 70 percent chance of flurries. High minus 8.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

A layer of weak facets adjacent to an October rain crust exists near the base of the snowpack and is now overlain by up to 120 cm of snow. This problem is not easily triggered, but the most likely locations are 30 to 45-degree, windswept, shallow snowpack areas - a shallow snowpack is a weak snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Loose Dry

Up to 40cm of low density snow is beginning to facet and may result in dry loose avalanches, particularly out of steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2