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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 4th, 2020–Mar 5th, 2020
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Little Yoho.

Continued snow and wind will keep the avalanche danger in the region elevated. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain.

Large avalanches from upper elevations can reach terrain below tree line.

Weather Forecast

Mainly cloudy on Thursday with another 5-10cm of snow, temp range of -16 to -4 and consistently strong SW winds. Thursday night into Friday will see another 10cm and gradually decreasing winds. Another 10cm forecasted for Saturday with cooling temps and light winds.

Snowpack Summary

30-40 cm of storm snow in the past few days brings the weekly total to ~60cm. Strong to extreme Westerly winds continue to form storm/wind slab at all elevations. Watch for buried sun crust on steep solar aspects. Generally this area has a strong snowpack, with snow depths over 300 cm in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural storm slab avalanches up to sz 2.5 observed along highway 93S today where intense wind loading was occurring.

With continued strong to extreme winds and incoming snow in the forecast over the next few days, expect natural avalanche activity to increase.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Expect to find slab formation on lee aspects and open areas from the alpine to below tree line. Loose dry sluffing from steep terrain is also a concern, especially in gulleys, terrain traps and above cliffs.

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs on exposed lee slopes and open areas at all elevations.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5