Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
A little new snow accompanied by moderate to strong winds have created windslabs and raised the danger in the alpine and at treeline. Warm temperatures and rain are still the primary concern at lower elevations.
Weather Forecast
Friday should be partly cloudy with a weak freeze in the AM but some clouds to keep the solar radiation at bay. Forecasts are calling for a short but intense storm starting Saturday around noon which should deposit 20 - 30 cm's of new snow above 2000m with rain below. Alpine winds will be moderate to strong from the W/ SW throughout the period.
Snowpack Summary
Generally a well settled snow pack exists with moist snow on solar aspects below 2000 m. Isolated wind slabs may be found near ridge tops in the alpine. Weak freezes and some rain over the last few days have caused the snowpack at lower elevations to break down quickly with daytime heating.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported or observed.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
5-10 cms of new snow combined with moderate to strong west winds have created pockets of windslab in higher alpine areas. In some areas this is hiding old windslabs which have been reactive . Several skiers have been caught in small slides this week.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
The warm temperatures will create wet sluffs on south facing slopes and gullies at and below treeline. Isothermal conditions may develop at below treeline elevations.
- Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.
- Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2