Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
The cold snap is over with warming occurring today. Of note is the temperature inversion, and tomorrow's high of -5 at higher elevations should cause ice climbers to carefully consider their overhead hazard - it will be a hot afternoon in the sun.
Weather Forecast
The ridge of high pressure has one more day left in it, and Wednesday will be sunny with alpine temperatures reaching -5. Starting Thursday a system embedded in a NW flow will cross the area, but only light amounts of snow are expected. Trace for Thursday, then 4cm each day for Fri and Sat. Temps will be in the -5 to -10 range with light west wind.
Snowpack Summary
With a total snowpack depth of just over one meter, two weaknesses exist within this snowpack. The Dec 18 surface hoar layer is located down approximately 30 cm, and while there is no slab overlying it now we expect problems with subsequent snowfalls (or winds). Additionally the base of the snowpack is weak with facets and depth hoar.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been observed or reported.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
15-30cm of soft snow is bonding poorly to the Dec 18 layer of surface hoar, and any slab development above this layer should be treated with suspicion. Be wary of this layer in Little Yoho area. Dig down and look for it, and test the slab above.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
While the cold temperatures have stabilized the snowpack temporarily, it's overall structure remains weak. Travel under and beside avalanche paths is reasonable, but continue to avoid or be very careful when touching any avalanche start zones.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3