Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 28th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada snow safety, Avalanche Canada

Cooler temperatures are slowly healing the snowpack.  Watch for areas with buried surface hoar and isolated wind slabs on high alpine features.  Ski conditions are generally poor.  SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Alpine temperatures will be in the -10 to -12C range for Thursday with light to moderate NW winds. The only "snow" in the forecast is the possibility of a few cm Saturday, but this will not affect the avalanche danger.

Snowpack Summary

Very strong westerly winds have seriously blasted the region. Wind pressed snow in lee terrain can be expected at treeline and above. A crust up to 2500m (higher on solar aspects) can be found in all areas. The Dec18th surface hoar/facet/crust interface can be found down 50-70 cm at treeline. This layer will be less reactive with the cooler temps.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in the Little Yoho region today.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations on Wednesday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

The Dec 18 surface hoar still exists in the upper 70 cm of the snowpack, and if triggered can produce a large avalanche. Areas to watch for would be open, north facing glades at treeline where surface hoar can persist for long periods of time.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 29th, 2015 4:00PM