Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 4th, 2025–Jan 5th, 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.

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.

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.

Avalanche 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: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

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: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5