Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 4th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
West winds are forecast to reach the moderate range in the alpine overnight Saturday. With up to 40cm of recent snow available for transport, expect fresh slabs on Sunday coupled with some loose dry avalanche activity.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Some small loose dry avalanches out of steep terrain on were observed on Friday.
Also on Friday, in the neighboring BYK region, there was evidence of a large deep avalanche off of Mount Lefroy North East face. This was observed on Jan 3rd but is believed to be 24-48 hours old.
Snowpack Summary
25-45 cm unconsolidated snow makes up the surface of a 120-150 cm snowpack at treeline while 140-175cm can be found in the alpine. The mid-pack is generally strong but a weak crust/facet layer can often be found near the ground, particularly in shallower areas. Conditions within the Little Yoho Region are much better than areas further east in BYK. See the attached snow profile.
Weather Summary
A trough will push east towards the region Saturday evening before the competing high pressure over the prairies pushes back west Sunday.
Winds will increase into the moderate range late Saturday with trace amounts of new snow overnight before winds shift northwest to bring clearing and a bit of cooling through Sunday.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
- 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.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
As in the BYK region, weak facets and depth hoar associated with remnant crusts can be found near the base of the snowpack. Evidence suggests that this problem is specific to shallower areas of the Little Yoho region. Avoiding thin areas will help limit your exposure to this problem.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
West winds are forecast to increase to moderate in the alpine late in the day Saturday. If this happens, expect these winds to redistribute up to 40 cm of recent storm snow into slabs near ridge crest and trigger loose dry avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 5th, 2025 4:00PM
