Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
With cold temperatures approaching expect upper snowpack instabilities to become less reactive. Keep in mind that the persisted problem will take some time to heal.
Weather Forecast
One last pulse of snow is expected tomorrow bringing 3-5cm. As the approaching high pressure system moves in temperatures are expected to drop with highs around -15 and lows in the mid -20's.
Snowpack Summary
The primary problem is the Dec facet interface which continues to be touchy and has a variety of surfaces above from loose facets to hard slab . Above tree line windslabs have develop creating another reactive interface near the surface. With approaching cold temps , upper snowpack instabilities are expected to become less reactive.
Avalanche Summary
No new natural avalanches observed today, better visibility confirm the recent cycle with numerus avalanches to size 2.5 . Lake louise reported numerus avalanches to size 2 and one size 2.5 triggered with explosives today. Avalanches were initiated in the windlsab problem and stepped down to deeper instabilities.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
The Dec 19 facet interface is 30 to 100cm down. This interface is poorly bonded, resulting in many recent avalanches. This weak, faceted layer will persist for some time.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Wind Slabs
Thick wind slabs have formed in the lees of alpine features. Once initiated, they may trigger a persistent slab on the Dec.19th facets. As temperatures drop this week, expect this problem to become less reactive.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2