Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
The thicker snowpack in the Little Yoho region seems to be bonding well with a slow decrease in the avalanche danger. Dig down to check for persistent weak layers and watch for shallow snow pack areas where basal facets could be a problem.
Weather Forecast
A very strong ridge has moved into the area and we will see clear skies for Tuesday with light NW winds. Temps will remain cool but the sun effect will be quite strong. The ridge will remain in place for the rest of the week.
Snowpack Summary
The Jan 6 layer of surface hoar/facets is down 120cm at treeline. This layer is is gaining strength and producing hard to no result in tests. A layer down 50cm (Feb 11) contains surface hoar in isolated locations at treeline and is producing moderate results. Overall a well settled snowpack with a few isolated wind slabs in the alpine.
Avalanche Summary
Two wind slab avalanches were observed recently on Mt. Field at 2300-2400m. These were size 1.5 to 2 in un-skiable terrain.Â
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
90-130 cm of snow overlies the Jan 6th layer of surface hoar, facets and sun crust. This layer is gaining strength in the region but should be watched for at treeline and above. Be aware of isolated pockets of Feb 11 SH down 40 to 60cm in the area,
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Wind Slabs
Be mindful of cross loaded features and the lees of ridges where fresh windslabs 30-60 cm thick have recently formed along with new cornice growth. If triggered, there is potential for these to step down to the persistent weak layer.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2