Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Continued low confidence in the overall snowpack structure is being felt by forecasters, despite recent benign weather and fewer natural and explosive-triggered avalanches of late. Increasing wind and warm temperatures on Thurs/Fri will likely contribute to worsening conditions.
Remain vigilant and settle in for a long winter of making conservative terrain choices to avoid negative interactions with avalanches.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches were observed or reported in Little Yoho today.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of recent storm snow sits over a denser mid-pack which has formed a slab over the weak facet layers below. The December 17 persistent layer of surface hoar/facets is down 25-60 cm and becoming less reactive. The November 16 deep persistent layer of facets, depth hoar, and/or sun crusts is found near the base of the snowpack with test results continuing to show sudden failures. Puzzle Peak snow profile today.
Weather Summary
On Wednesday, clear in the morning, with increasing clouds in the afternoon. No precipitation. Valley temperatures are about -4 and the ridge about -10. Wind increasing to moderate/strong from the SW into the afternoon.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
- Use careful route-finding and stick to moderate slope angles with low consequences.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The lower snowpack is comprised of very weak facets, with the mid and upper snowpack forming a slab over these facets at all elevations. This weak basal layer is fairly uniform across most of the terrain and has shown the potential for human triggering, long propagations and remote triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Persistent Slabs
The December 17 layer of persistent weak facets that formed during the prolonged deep freeze in early December is down 30-60 cm. This layer appears to be gaining strength, but is still worth considering. If a failure initiates on this layer, it may step down to the deep persistent layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2