Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada grant statham, Avalanche Canada

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.

Summary

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

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing 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

An icon showing 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

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2015 4:00PM