Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Sunday could prove to be a great day for skiing!
Beware of the potential for surface avalanches to step down to deeper layers.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported Saturday.
On Friday, a remote wind slab avalanche on St. Nicholas size 2.5 was reported that stepped down to deeper layers and occurred out of steep unsupported terrain
Snowpack Summary
10-40cm of new snow overlays a surface crusts found in most locations except north-facing alpine zones. Windslab can be found on lee aspects. The integrity of the snowpack related to human triggering is based upon the strength and supportiveness of the surface crust. In areas with no recent surface crust, where the snow is dry and the ski conditions are best, the snowpack is generally strong, but a mid-pack layer of facets (Jan 30) remains the main buried weak layer of concern
Weather Summary
Saturday night: Clear periods with isolated flurries. Alpine temps: Low -10 °C. Ridge wind northwest: 10-30 km/h.
Sunday: Sunny with cloudy periods. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temps: High -5 °C. Ridge wind west: 10-30 km/h. Freezing level: 1800 metres.
Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temps: Low -6 °C, High 1 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 40 km/h. Freezing level: 2400 metres.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong winds Thursday, Friday and moderate winds Saturday, accompanied by new snow has built wind slabs in lee features in the alpine. Use caution when transitioning from solar aspects (with a crust) to northerly alpine aspects. Dry loose avalanches are possibility as new snow accumulates.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Below the recent snow, a 90-150 cm slab sits on the Jan 30 facet layer. On all but high north aspects, recent sun crusts and the March 27 rain crust cap this slab, providing some security. Continue to use caution in thinner, high areas or when these crusts are weak or breaking down with daytime heat.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3