Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 16th, 2025–Jan 17th, 2025

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Little Yoho.

Mt. Bosworth avalanche closure zone is CLOSED on Thursday, January 16th.

High elevation winds have been strong to extreme for the last week, so be on the lookout for windslabs if venturing into high, windy spots.

It's been weeks since a deep slab has occurred, but a weak snowpack persists in shallow areas - ski the thick, avoid the thin.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Thursday morning, size 2 wind triggered slab and loose dry avalanches were observed in Little Yoho on Mt. Stephen and Mount Field. One size 1.5 windslab on an alpine SE aspect on Bow Peak.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of snow in the last week has been blown into slabs in high alpine areas. At treeline and below, a surface sun crust exists on steep south aspect. This recent snow sits on a layer of facets and surface hoar in some locations, although we haven't seen many avalanches sliding on this layer yet. The mid-pack is generally strong; however, a weak facet layer can be found near the ground in shallow snowpack areas. At treeline, average snowpack depth ranges from 120 to 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Thursday, we expect strong to extreme SW winds accompanied by up to 5 cm new snow.

On Friday, we will see cooling temperatures and easing winds as arctic air moves in for the weekend.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong to extreme winds with light flurries creating fresh reactive windslabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Strong to extreme winds Thursday will trigger loose dry avalanches in steep terrain, including couloirs and ice-climbing areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The snowpack is generally deeper and, thus, stronger in the Little Yoho subregion than in most of the BYK forecast region. However, thin snowpack areas, such as windward and exposed terrain, will have weak basal facets at the base of the snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3