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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 17th, 2017–Jan 18th, 2017
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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.

Ice climbers should be wary of avalanches starting in alpine and running to below treeline. Many iceclimbes in Field have large startzones above them.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will be mainly cloudy with some light snowfall (in range of 5-10 cm). Temperatures to remain mild and winds will be moderate (with strong gusts) out of the SW. A slight cooling trend is forecasted for Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25 cm of new snow has fallen at treeline in the past 24 hours (suspect 40-50 cm in alpine). Some cracking was observed in storm snow on Tuesday and we expect some fresh wind slabs in the alpine with the moderate SW winds. Above 1900 m the midpack is quite strong and producing only variable shears. Below 1800 m the midpack is weak and facetted

Avalanche Summary

Some fresh loose snow avalanches were observed on Mt Stephen above the ice climbs.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

There has been 25 cm of new snow at treeline and up to 50cm in alpine. Some cracking in storm snow was observed on Tuesday. Additional snow is expected on Wednesday. This storm snow will take several days to settle out.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent moderate to strong SW winds have redistributed storm snow creating wind slabs in alpine and some treeline locations.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Recent storm snow is sluffing out of steep terrain. Ice climbers in particular should be paying attention to this problem.

  • Choose ice climbs that are not exposed to avalanches from above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2