Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 9th, 2019 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs.
stephen holeczi,
Parks Canada
The main problem in Little Yoho is the Dec.10 persistent layer, but watch for thin areas which may step down to basal facet layers much like East of the divide.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Warmer temperatures (still below freezing) for Friday with no significant snow in the forecast. There may be some increased alpine winds tomorrow which should be watched for as this could increase the chances of natural avalanches.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 70 cm of recent snow with variable wind effect has put a dense load over the persistent weak layers. In thicker snow pack areas, the Dec. 10th weak layer of facets is now down 100-150cm with a stronger snowpack below. In thin snowpack areas, the Dec.10th layer is mixed in with the basal facets and October crust.
Avalanche Summary
There have been reports every day in the last while of large avalanches in the backcountry. A report today of numerous size 2.5-3 avalanches triggered likely by wind on Hwy 93N. These failed on the deep persistent basal Oct. 26 layer. This layer is less of a problem in Little Yoho but shows the fickle nature of the snowpack right now.
Confidence
Problems
Persistent Slabs
The Dec.10 layer of facets and some surface hoar are down 150+cm at treeline. There have been few observations from this deeper snowpack region as to the sensitivity of this layer, but recent avalanche control has seen deep propagations.
Be aware of the potential for wide propagations which could result in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 10th, 2019 4:00PM
