Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Be prepared for cold temperatures as the mercury drops yet again. Watch for wind slabs underfoot, especially in the alpine. Skiing is excellent in sheltered locations.
Weather Forecast
Only a few cm's of snow overnight accompanied by a drop in temperature once again. Expect valley temps in the -15 range and at the ridge closer to -20. Wind is forecasted to remain in the strong range from the SW but it will subside to light by midday tomorrow.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20cm storm snow in the last 2 days. The wind has eased however, wind slabs are present in lee areas of the alpine and some treeline locations. 50-70 cm over the Dec 2 crust/facet combo which exists below 2200 m. Shallow snowpack areas (<100cm) have weaker basal facets. Snowpack depths at treeline are from 120-160 cm.
Avalanche Summary
Both Sunshine and Lake Louise ski patrol reported ski cutting very small windslabs that might not even amount to a size 1. Otherwise no avalanches observed or reported.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations on Monday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Previous strong SW winds have created wind slabs in alpine and exposed treeline lee areas. These have been a bit more stubborn than expected but could still be triggered by skiers in steep terrain, especially in the alpine.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow. Avoid wind loaded terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2