Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 19th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Stephen Holeczi,
Parks Canada
We have phased out the deep persistent facets as a problem in this region due to the overall deeper snowpack and lack of recent deep avalanches. Watch for isolated thin areas where facets may be present. Excellent ski conditions overall.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A temperature inversion (warmer in the alpine, cooler in the valley bottoms) will start to break down Thursday with some increased winds in the alpine. Temperatures will be -7 in the alpine midday with no snow forecast in the next 24 hours.
Snowpack Summary
Continued settlement is slowly stabilizing any recently formed windslabs, which can still be triggered in steep, loaded areas in the alpine. Some sun crust formation on steep S and SW facing terrain. Overall the deep snowpack (observed as 3m+ in some areas) is strong in Little Yoho with no significant shear test results.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed or reported Wednesday. Some very large cornice failures were observed on Wapta Peak Wednesday which did entrain all of the snow below from cliffs, but did not trigger the slopes below.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Increased winds Thursday may add to recently formed windslabs, which can still be triggered by people in steep leeward areas in the alpine. Cornices have grown very large in recent weeks, so watch your exposure to them carefully.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 20th, 2020 4:00PM
