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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 4th, 2015–Feb 5th, 2015
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
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Little Yoho.

The great conditions will continue until mid-day Thursday, but then it all changes. An avalanche cycle will be in full force by Friday with up to 40 cm expected, freezing levels to 2000m and winds exceeding 110 km/hr. Head for the trees!

Weather Forecast

The weather is changing as a strong system moves into the area embedded in a westerly flow. Expect 5-10 cm Thursday, 15-20 Friday, and 10 cm on Saturday. Significant warming and winds accompany this system, with freezing levels to 2000 m on Friday and SW wind exceeding 100 km/hr.  This may not come true, as the models disagree on snowfall amounts.

Snowpack Summary

40-60 cm of recent storm snow sits on a crust from January 30, and in isolated locations has been blown into windslabs. Over the next few days, as the next storm begins to add load, this bond to the Jan 30 interface will be critical. Expect windslabs by Thursday, with human triggered and natural avalanches likely by Friday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported or observed in this region today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

There is 30-50 cm of loose snow available for windslab formation at higher elevations. Currently these windslabs are very isolated or non-existent, but this will change on Thursday as the next storm arrives.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets
  • Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

30 - 50 cm of low density powder will sluff easily and run fast and far on the Jan. 30th crust. Watch your sluff in steep terrain and heads up if the wind picks up.

  • The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.
  • On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2