Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Plan to start early and finish early!
If the sun comes out expect the hazard to rise towards HIGH, especially if the wind dies down.
Weather Forecast
Increased cloud and wind forecast for Saturday and Sunday should keep things cooler. Freezing levels will drop to only 2000 m and rise to 2400 m on Saturday. Monitor cloud cover and wind, if the sun comes out the hazard will rapidly rise.
Snowpack Summary
After 2 hot days expect crusts on all aspects and elevations (expect very high North aspects). They are supportive while intact and ski crampons may be needed. Freezing levels will only dip to 2000 m tonight so do not expect strong crusts below treeline. The snowpack is warm and it would not take much to bump us back into HIGH if the sun came out.
Avalanche Summary
Widespread avalanche cycle on all aspects over the past 2 days. Numerous deep persistent slabs failing to ground to size 3.5 in the BYK zone especially on N-NW aspects. Numerous wet avalanches on solar aspects. The Field backroad is currently closed with debris on it.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
This could again be a problem below treeline as the freezing level will be only drop to around 2000 tonight or if the sun were to come out and break down the surface crusts.
- Minimize exposure when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
The snow pack remains warm after the past couple of days. There are several buried suncrusts exist in the upper snowpack and it remains possible to trigger these layers once the surface crusts break down with any prolonged heating from the sun.
- Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Cornices
Cornices are large. Give them a wide berth on ridge crests, as they can pull back a long way when they fail and may trigger an avalanche below. If you need to travel under cornices, move quickly but think twice if there is significant heating.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3