Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 25th, 2016–Feb 26th, 2016

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Little Yoho.

For Friday we are concerned about low elevation gullies in the afternoon (Field ice climbs), and large south and west facing slopes in the afternoon. If you choose this terrain, get up early and be done by noon.

Weather Forecast

Blue skies and warm temperatures for Friday, with high's up to 5 degrees. Strong winds forecast for upper elevations MAY keep the snow surface cool, but low elevations will be hot in the afternoon - for sure.

Snowpack Summary

Suncrust exists on steep S and W aspects. Otherwise, 20-30 cm of low density snow overlies a well settled mid-pack. The Feb 11 surface hoar can be found down 50-60 cm in isolated locations around treeline and produces moderate test results. The Jan 6th layer (down 80-120 cm) is gaining strength and producing hard to no results.

Avalanche Summary

Many loose wet snow avalanches up to size 1.5 observed on Wednesday, otherwise no recent slab avalanches reported. Note that many recent slab avalanches were reported in the last week in the neighboring Banff, Yoho & Kootenay bulletin region.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Sun and warm temps will create wet, slush like avalanches in gullies on Friday. For example areas like Guinness Gully or Pilsner will be a good place to avoid in the afternoon.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

We are tracking 2 weak layers in the upper 120 cm of the snowpack (Jan 6 and Feb 11 surface hoar). Their strength has improved, and they are sometimes hard to find. We consider these to be healing, but dig down and look for yourself.

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

Cornices

Friday afternoon will possibly be hot, which will trigger cornice falls. Ensure you are not underneath cornices in the afternoon.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2