Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
The cold temperatures are expected to help, but there is still some uncertainty on how the storm snow is bonding to the old surface.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
The Parks Canada field team observed an ongoing loose dry avalanche cycle today on Mt. Field and Wapta Peak, with slides up to size 1.5. Evidence of a smaller storm slab cycle from yesterday was also noted at treeline, with avalanches up to size 1.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 40cm of storm snow has fallen in the area at treeline. This sits on a weaker layer (Jan. 30) of crust, surface hoar, and facets. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled, with snowpack depths at the treeline ranging from 120cm to 180cm.
Weather Summary
Tomorrow will be chilly, with temperatures dropping into the minus 20s at the ridge and -16 in the valley. There will be clearing over the course of the day, and light to moderate winds are expected.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Dry
Loose dry avalanches were still active today in Little Yoho, up to size 1.5 These slides can run on old-faceted snow surfaces. Ice climbers, in particular, should be wary of these sluffs in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Storm Slabs
The new storm snow still had slab characteristics today on Mt Field. The bond to the Jan 30th layer is still suspect (see snowpack summary).
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2