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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 17th, 2023–Apr 18th, 2023
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
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
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
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
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
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Little Yoho.

20-35 cm of new snow fell with strong SW winds as a cold front passed through Monday resulting in increased avalanche hazard. Moderate terrain choices with limited overhead hazard are recommended until the storm snow settles and bonds.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Areas around Yoho and Lake Louise got 30-45 cm of new snow and saw natural avlanche activity out of steep terrain up to size 2 in the storm snow, as well as ski cutting and explosive results at the ski hill. Some wind slab failures in steep lee loaded terrain also occurred.

Snowpack Summary

20-35 cm of storm snow arrived with strong SW winds on Monday. The storm snow sits over buried sun crusts that are present to ridge crests, and faceted layers on shady aspects. Multiple buried crusts are present in the top 50-70 cm on solar aspects. The basal depth hoar is present but is only a concern in thin areas. Low elevations have a temperature crust on all aspects.

Weather Summary

Winds will decrease as they switch from moderate SW to light SE on Tuesday. Freezing levels will drop to valley bottom with alpine lows reaching -15°C Monday night, and rising to 1800 m on Tuesday afternoon with alpine temperatures near freezing. No significant precip is expected Tuesday but some convective showers may occur further east.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Areas with 15+ cm of fresh snow will have a storm slab problem. The new snow may fail naturally and will be reactive to human triggering especially over buried sun crusts. Lee areas with newly formed wind slabs and fresh cornices are also a concern.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The November basal facets and depth hoar have been mainly dormant in this region and we have seen few avalanches on this layer. Watch for thin snowpack spots or places exposed to large loads like cornices where triggering this is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5