Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 20th, 2017 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

snow safety, Parks Canada

Little Yoho.

Watch for windslabs as you enter open areas near treeline and above. Ice climbers may find windslabs developing at lower elevations when the Yoho Blow pushes through. Dress warm.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A little more snow tomorrow and then the Yoho Blow should push in. It can be brutishly cold and windy at lower elevations for a while.

Snowpack Summary

10-30 cm of soft snow now covers the Dec 15 persistent weak layer of surface hoar, sun crust or facets (depending on location). An additional 5-10 cm of snow winds are expected overnight Tuesday and may create windslabs at lower elevations..

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches noted.

Confidence

Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

The winds have been a bit unpredictable and gusty. Plumes in Yoho yesterday from the north and from the east. Yoho Blow likely to build winslabs on low elevation ice climbs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Climbers in steep gullies be prepared for spindrift and loose snow running down the climb. Put in lots of ice screws. Any avalanches will likely be small, but could knock you off your feet.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain, particularly where the debris flows into terrain traps.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Dec 21st, 2017 4:00PM