Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 23rd, 2022–Jan 24th, 2022

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/links/goto_e.asp?destination=http://www.avalanche.ca/spaw/2022-01-20-spaw

As temperatures cool and the winds back off Monday, we expect the hazard to do the same.

Be aware that it is still heads-up hockey out there with both lingering wind slabs and the persistent slab problem producing recent avalanches.

Weather Forecast

As a trough moves south through Alberta Monday, the region will see patchy cloud and possibly a few light flurries as temperatures cool a few degrees. Winds are expected to shift north and back to light to moderate speeds. The winds look to rebound Tuesday as do the temperatures which may reach -5C in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Wind effect and wind slabs in the alpine and exposed tree-line areas. New sun crusts can be expected steep solar slopes . 30 to 60 cm of recent snow lies over a facet interface formed in late December. The Dec. 2 crust and facets are generally 100-150cm deep producing hard to no results. Snow depth at tree-line is around 200-250 cm.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported Sunday. Avalanche control in Yoho last week produced slabs with every shot. Most were failing on a wind slab or facet layer 40-60cm deep and then entraining facets in the track. One stepped down to the November facets ~ 180 cm deep.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent winds have created wind-slabs in the alpine and some tree-line locations. These slabs are now 3-4 days old and we expect their sensitivity to decrease however they may be found over facets in some locations and remain sensitive.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This problem represents both the Dec. 2nd crust/ facet layer (treeline and below) and layers of faceted snow that were formed during the late December cold snap (all elevations). If triggered, either layer will result in large avalanches.

Forecasters are operating with alot of uncertainty at this time.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3