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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 8th, 2016–Mar 9th, 2016
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Little Yoho.

Overall good conditions right now, but be wary of thin snowpack areas. A storm is forecasted on Thursday that may bring a dramatic change!

Weather Forecast

Cool temps, light winds and convective flurries continue on Wednesday and then a big system is forecasted starting Wednesday overnight and Thursday. Models are showing 20 - 40 cms with moderate to strong SW winds and freezing levels rising to ~ 1900m. The danger ratings will rise rapidly if it materializes.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 30 cm of new snow sits on a well settled mid and lower pack. This new snow overlies a temperature crust below 1800m on polar aspects and a sun crust into the alpine on solar aspects. Isolated wind effect exists near ridge-tops. No significant shears found in the mid and lower pack, however thin snowpack areas are still suspect.

Avalanche Summary

We received a report on Monday of a skier triggered avalanche on the Wapta near Mt. Collie and the Richard and Louise Guy Hut. It was a size 2.5 on a SE aspect at 2600m. This failed on a facet layer near the base of the snowpack and took two skiiers for a ride, partially burying one with minor injuries.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

West winds have formed small wind slabs in predictable areas on the leeward sides of ridges. Pay close attention to how the snow surface feels, ski test on small rolls, and look for clues like cracking.

  • Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The persistent weak layers from January and February are bonding well, and have a low likelihood of triggering in most of the forecast area. Overall the snowpack is quite strong, but continue to be wary, especially in shallow snow-pack areas.

  • Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3