Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 19th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada snow safety, Avalanche Canada

There are still concerns in wind-loaded areas and thin spots. There is a lot of variability with respect to aspect and elevation right now, so take some time to assess the snow where you are.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Friday - cloudy with light precipitation and moderate temps. Saturday - the wind shifts to north or northeast and will give us a brief taste of cold winter again.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is variable by aspect and elevation. Deep facetted weaknesses are still common. Westerly aspects have been wind-hammered and lee (east) aspects near ridge crests should be suspect. From treeline down, breakable melt-freeze crust transitions to bullet proof melt-freeze crust. Nasty.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported today in Little Yoho.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent winds from many directions have formed wind slabs that are susceptible to human triggering. Recent cornice growth is also a concern as these may trigger any deep weak layers that are present in the snowpack.

  • Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.
  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Watch for thin areas where facetted layers may be triggered.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 20th, 2015 4:00PM