Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Although the snowpack is strong, recent snow and wind has created windslabs at the higher elevations. No recent natural avalanches have been noted and the snow quality is excellent BTL. Wed looks sunny and warm - watch out on solar facing terrain.
Weather Forecast
The westerly flow continues and will bring another 5 cm on Monday night with clearing by mid-day Tuesday. Expect the alpine winds to remain strong out of the west, also calming down on Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday and Thursday look beautiful; blue sky and warm. Watch out for the sun's effects to the snowpack on Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
Windslabs and wind effect dominate the surface of the snowpack above 2000 m, but otherwise at treeline and below the snowpack in Little Yoho is deep and strong with no obvious weak layers. The exception to this might be south aspects, where buried crusts may lurk and also the Mt Dennis area, where the snowpack is generally shallower.
Avalanche Summary
A skier triggered cornice on Emerald Peak initiated a size 2 avalanche Sunday that ran part way down the Emerald Lake Slide Path. This is the second report of a cornice release in this region over the weekend.
Confidence
Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Wednesday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
36-hours of moderate to strong winds from the SW have blown the recent storm snow into windslabs in open areas. These could be quite deep in immediate lee areas. Check this on small slopes with no consequence and extrapolate to the bigger terrain.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created slabs over weaker snow.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5