Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2018 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Little Yoho.

During the heat of the day, loose wet avalanches are almost certain in steep and confined terrain on solar aspects. Ice climbers should avoid avalanche terrain until things cool down.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect the daily diurnal temperature variation to continue, each day a little bit warmer than the last. Sunday temps could climb to 4 degrees. Clear skies will also provide a condition for intense solar radiation. Wind will remain light from the SW.

Snowpack Summary

Very little wind effect overall except in the high alpine. Sun crust on steep solar aspects is forming. Generally, 10-20 cm of snow sits over a firm mid-pack. The Jan surface hoar layers down 100-150 cm are inactive in tests. In shallow areas the deeper facet layers are currently dormant, but could become active with the warm days ahead.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported in Little Yoho, but suspect there may have been some loose wet avalanches at lower elevations from steep solar rocky terrain with prolonged sun affect. See the Banff bulletin avalanche activity section for an ice climber involvement on Saturday.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Alpine West winds have formed wind slabs in lee areas near ridge crests over the past week. In steep unsupported terrain skier triggering is possible.

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

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep rocky terrain. Watch for increasing hazard associated with prolonged sun affect. Finish very early, or better yet, avoid steep confined features all together.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2018 5:00PM