Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Incoming storms will keep the danger elevated over the next couple days. Adapt your mindset to reflect the changing conditions!
Weather Forecast
A couple of systems are on track to bring some precipitation in the next few days. It has already started snowing as of this afternoon and we can expect 10-15 cm overnight on Tuesday with moderate to strong SW winds. A short break on Wednesday PM and then another 10 - 20 cm overnight Wednesday and into Thursday. 1500 to 1700 m freezing levels.
Snowpack Summary
30-50 cm of new snow overlies the January 6th weak layer which is surface hoar between 1500 and 2000 m and facets above this. This layer has been reactive to explosives in the last few days and in the alpine, it has been blown into fresh windslabs in exposed locations. The middle of the snowpack is facetted. A rain crust exists below 1500 m.
Avalanche Summary
Monday's avalanche control work in Kootenay resulted in widespread avalanches between size 2 and 3 with fracture lines ranging from 25-50 cm deep failing on the Jan 6th layer of surface hoar and facets. Local ski hills reporting several size 1.5 -2 windslabs triggered with explosives today. No recent avalanche observations in the Little Yoho zone.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
With the incoming wind and precipitation, we can expect touchy conditions on lee features at treeline and above. These windslabs have triggered persistent slabs and entrained facets at lower elevations recently resulting in large avalanches.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Persistent Slabs
The new snow is settling into a 30- 50 cm slab above the Jan. 6th surface hoar and facet layer. This layer is surface hoar between 1500 and 2000m and facets above and is most reactive where there is buried surface hoar.
- Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3