Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Strong to Extreme alpine winds Monday will continue to develop the wind slab problem at upper elevations. Limit your exposure to overhead hazards like cornices.
Great skiing in sheltered areas
Weather Forecast
Increased in cloud cover Monday with scattered flurries through the day. Alpine wind values will stay sustained at 70-90 KM/H from the SW. Expect freezing levels to 1500m. We could see an additional 5cm of snow accumulation Monday night.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of new snow with strong SW winds forming new wind slab in the alpine down to tree line. Watch for buried sun crust on steep solar aspects. The Feb 1 rain crust is down 30-60 cm and present below 1900 m. Generally this area has a strong snowpack, with snow depths over 300 cm in the alpine.
Avalanche Summary
Direct observations of several small natural avalanches initiated from strong SW winds were reported Sunday afternoon. Ski hills reported newly formed reactive wind slabs specific to immediate lee.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slab development in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. Expect these to be reactive to human triggering in the immediate lee of terrain features and in steep gullies.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2