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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 27th, 2017–Mar 28th, 2017
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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

Regions: Little Yoho.

The avalanche danger is slowly improving, and we cautiously move the treeline rating to MODERATE based largely on the lack of natural avalanche activity and stronger snowpack in the Little Yoho valley. Ice climbers - start early and be done early.

Weather Forecast

Snowfall expected over the next few days, with 5 cm on Tuesday, 10 cm on Wednesday and 3 cm on Thursday. Freezing levels should reach 1800m each day, with alpine temperatures ranging from -1 to -12. Winds are generally moderate but will pick up to strong through Tuesday night.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm of soft snow sits on 100cm of dense, rounded snow comprising the upper half of the snowpack. This sits on a variety of foundations depending on location. In shallow areas (eg: Field ice climbs) the base is weak depth hoar. In deeper areas (eg: Little Yoho Valley), the base is stronger. Shears persist in the deep facets in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

We traveled in the Little Yoho Valley today and did not observe any fresh avalanches from the past 24-48 hours. No reports were received of any new avalanche activity in the Field, Emerald Lake or Little Yoho areas.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

The snowpack is stabilizing after last week's cycle, and now we are left with a classic low probability, high consequence problem. Natural avalanches have mostly ceased, but triggering is still possible - especially from large loads like cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Cornices

There has been an increasing frequency of cornice failures this past week. Be wary of this as we transition into spring (cornice season). They are a hazard underfoot on ridge crests, and from overhead if you travel below one. GIve them a wide berth.

  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3