Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 9th, 2017 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
william lawson,
Avalanche Canada
Ice climbers take note of the recent new snow and the potential for loose snow avalanches. Though only small avalanche are expected, they may have a significant affect to an ice climber.
Summary
Weather Forecast
One last pulse of snow is expected this evening as the arctic air moves in. Moderate winds will taper to low by tomorrow and temperature will drop to the low -20s. This cold air mass will arrive with clear sky's and is not expected to last for weeks ....
Snowpack Summary
10cm of new snow sits over firm slab in the alpine, this new snow has had some wind affect. Expect small reactive windslab development in the alpine. At treeline and below the new snow remains low density and overlays a faceted snowpack. Areas with even some cohesive slab structure near the surface have the potential to fail over the facets.
Avalanche Summary
No natural activity was reported or observed in Little Yoho Monday. Some recent observations in the surrounding area continue to show occasional slabs failing on the mid-pack facets during the last week. Lots of whumphing on the mid-pack facets at treeline was reported recently in the Stanley Mitchell area.
Confidence
Problems
Persistent Slabs
In areas with less than 150cm of snow the weak mid-pack facets from December remain. This is a concern wherever a more cohesive slab of snow sits on top of this weakness. Tree line or wind loaded areas seem to be the primary concern.
- Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.
- Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Small windslabs and loose snow avalanches are expected to be reactive for the next few days. The main concern for this problem is in areas with significant terrain traps. Take extra precautions when traveling around cliffs and steep gullies.
- Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 10th, 2017 4:00PM
