Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Ice climbers: be wary of recent loading that may not be evident at the valley bottom levels. Several events over the weekend originating at upper elevations affected the climbs on Mt Dennis.
Weather Forecast
Moderately cold sunny weather is forecast. More facetting is expected.
Snowpack Summary
In many areas, a generally weak snowpack exists below 2000-2200m . At 2000m, there is generally 140 cm of snow, with the Jan 17 surface hoar layer down 30cm producing sudden planar test results. In the mid-pack, the Dec facets are 20cm thick, and near the ground some weak facets sit just below on an old ice crust. Ew.
Avalanche Summary
Strong to Extreme South and West winds produced an avalanche cycle over the weekend. No avalanches were reported today.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
The generally weak, facetted mid pack is producing moderate to hard shears. In the upper snowpack around treeline a buried layer of surface hoar produces variable shears. Increased slab development overlying these layers is likely with recent winds.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Wind Slabs
Fresh windslabs exist in the immediate lees and will remain reactive for some time after the winds abate.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2