Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 2nd, 2017 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs.
Lisa Paulson,
Avalanche Canada
The snowpack is weak in many Little Yoho locations, and large avalanches are still possible. If there is a slab overlying facets, its suspect.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Lows of -25c and highs of -11C for Friday with light SW wind. Expect increasing cloud through the day and flurries to begin in the evening. Currently a big storm is in the forecast for this weekend, but models are not in agreement and the brunt may track to the South of us... stay tuned.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs formed from strong winds this week. A generally weak snowpack exists below 2000-2200m. At 2000m, there is generally 140 cm of snow, with the Jan 17 surface hoar layer down 30cm. In the mid-pack, the Dec facets are around 20cm thick, and near the ground some weak facets sit just below an ice crust. More solid snowpacks exist above 2200m.
Avalanche Summary
There was a small avalanche cycle last weekend from strong winds. The activity has slowed significantly due to decreased winds and cooling temperatures. No avalanches reported Thursday.
Confidence
Problems
Persistent Slabs
The generally weak, facetted mid pack is producing moderate to hard shears. In the upper snowpack around treeline a buried layer of surface hoar produces variable shears. Increased slab development overlying these layers is likely with recent winds.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2017 4:00PM
