Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 5th, 2021–Mar 6th, 2021

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Little Yoho.

Cooler temperatures and less solar input will likely slow down avalanche activity for Saturday. So far we have not seen evidence of the same persistent problems that are active in the Banff and Kootenay areas.

Weather Forecast

5-10cm overnight ending Saturday AM. Associated mod- strong winds will ease in the AM as well. 3000m temperatures around -15C and valley bottom highs around 0 to 5C.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds have scoured exposed slopes and formed wind slab in alpine lee areas and open tree line slopes. Expect a new surface crust on solar aspects and lower elevations. In the Little Yoho Valley, the height of snow at tree line is ~280cm and does not seem to have the same Persistent Slab problem as Banff and Kootenay region.

Avalanche Summary

The last few days with warmer temperatures and increased sun have seen many avalanches to size 3 caused by explosives, skiers, and natural triggers.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.