Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Storm slab's continue to be reactive throughout the forecast region. Large avalanches and remote triggering were observed today on this layer.
Weather Forecast
A small pulse tonight bringing 5-10cm of snow and moderate winds, Wednesday will be a mix of sun and cloud with temperatures staying below freezing. Expect short convective storms through the week with heavy precipe at times.
Snowpack Summary
40-50cm of storm snow has developed into a touchy storm slab that are sensitive to trigger at treeline and above. This sits over a supportive mid-pack, with the lower half of the snowpack consisting of weak facets and depth hoar. There is isolated wind effect near ridge crests only; the notable observation is the lack of wind effect.
Avalanche Summary
Recent avalanche control on Mt. Bosworth resulted in widespread fracture propagations (up to 400m) that released very easily. Most avalanches occurred in the recent storm snow and one size 3 released on the Dec 19 facets. Lots of storm slab avalanches observed in the backcountry. More avalanche control today showed similar results on HWY 93S.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
A 50 cm storm slab has been very reactive in recent avalanche control . Avoid any avalanche starting zones, as this slab appears to be widespread. Fracture lines have been spreading into adjacent terrain, so mind your exposure carefully.
- Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Persistent Slabs
Several buried persistent weak layers exist in the middle of the snowpack - ensure that you know if they exist or not in your area, and the only way to check for this is to dig a test snow profile, find the layer, then test its strength,.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3