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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 5th, 2015–Jan 6th, 2015
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
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
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
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.

30-40 cm of new snow is forecast for the next 36-hours, along with rising temperatures and strong alpine winds. A dangerous weak layer is now buried 50-70 cm below the surface. This is the recipe for an avalanche cycle. Avoid avalanche terrain.

Weather Forecast

A strong system embedded in a NW flow will cross the region starting Monday evening and tapering by Tuesday evening.  Expect 30-40 cm of snow and rising temperatures and strong winds at higher elevations. Clearing behind the storm begins on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 50 cm of storm snow exists at higher elevations, sitting atop a weak layer of surface hoar and facets now buried anywhere from 50-70cm below the surface. Storm slabs resulting from Monday night's snowfall are likely, as well as large and dangerous avalanches running on this buried weak layer. Human triggering is likely.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed or reported yet, but extensive avalanche activity has been reported to the west, which is a good indication of what to expect in the Little Yoho region.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

The Dec 18 layer of surface hoar and crust is now buried 50-70 cm and primed for human triggering.  Avoid any areas where avalanches can start.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Storm Slabs

A total of almost 50 cm of snow has fallen since Jan 1, combined with wind has created a touch storm slab.  Limit your exposure to thickly treed areas and stay well away from avalanche terrain for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3