Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Steep solar aspects could see increase natural avalanche activity this weekend as clear skies and warmer temps heat southerly aspects.
Weather Forecast
A ridge of high pressure over the forecast region will bring clear skies this weekend. Winds at ridge crest will gradually increase late Saturday, with values reaching strong to extreme by Sunday. Freezing levels will stay near valley bottom this weekend.
Snowpack Summary
Recent wind and new snow have created fresh wind slabs in the alpine and some tree-line areas. The new snow overlie facets in many places resulting in wide propagations in recent avalanches. The Dec. 2 crust and facets are generally 100-150cm deep producing hard to no results. Snow depth at tree-line is around 200-250 cm.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported Friday. Avalanche control in Yoho Tuesday produced slabs with every shot. Most were failing on a windslab or facet layer 40-60cm deep and then entraining facets in the track. One stepped down to the November facets ~ 180 cm deep.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent winds have produced fresh wind-slabs in the alpine and some tree-line locations.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
This problem represents both the Dec. 2nd crust/ facet layer (treeline and below) and layers of faceted snow that were formed during the late December cold snap (all elevations). This is primarily an issue in shallower snowpack areas.
- Forecasters are operating with alot of uncertainty at this time.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5