Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Avalanche control is planned for Wednesday, please avoid skiing and climbing on Mt. Field, Mt. Stephen, Mt. Bosworth, Mt. Whymper and the Simpson paths (previously known as the Vermillion paths).
Weather Forecast
NW flow aloft continues, and this moist air is colliding with cold arctic air somewhere over the Rockies. The majority of the precipitation from this storm is now over with only trace amounts expected overnight and tomorrow, but strong upper level winds and warming temperatures are expected for Wednesday. Cooling arrives on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
15 cm over the past 24 hr adds to the total of close to 40 cm of storm snow since Jan 2. The Dec 18 layer of surface hoar and crust was observed today down 50 cm (at treeline) and is producing a lot of whumphing and cracking. Generally the surface snow remains very unconsolidated, but this will change in alpine areas on Wed with increasing winds.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed or reported in this region today, but visibility was terrible.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
The Dec 18 layer of surface hoar and crust is now buried 50-70 cm and primed for human triggering. Avoid any areas where avalanches can start.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Storm Slabs
Storm slab formation has been limited due to light winds and cold temperatures. This is good news but strong winds on Wednesday will likely increase this problem in alpine areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3