Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
A good freeze can be expected Friday but freezing levels are expected to rise to 2500m so it the sun comes out recent snow over crusts and slabs will become reactive.
Feels like spring.
Weather Forecast
A bit more snow may fall overnight Friday as freezing levels drop back down to 1200m- but amounts will vary due to the convective nature of the weather. Freezing levels may reach 2500m Saturday and with the potential for sunny periods and a few more convective flurries. Freeze levels should return to 1200m by Sunday morning.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of new snow with rain possible as high as 2000m Friday. This has fallen over a thin sun crust on solar aspects which overlies the 10-20 cm of snow fell on April 19/20 with significant wind to form slabs at treeline and above. These slabs sit on sun crusts to 2500m and extensive wind effect in the alpine.
Avalanche Summary
Sunshine Snow Safety reported loose wet avalanches as high as 2500m today Lake Louise had no new activity. No field trip and poor visibility otherwise.
Confidence
Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
10-20 cm new with strong winds on Tuesday created wind slabs at treeline and above. Up to 10cm of new snow may now bury these.
These slabs sit on sun crusts and firm wind affected snow giving them the potential to run far.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Freezing levels are forecast to rise to 2500m Saturday and some potential for solar inputs exists. If the surface snow becomes moist expect it to become reactive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5