Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Potential for large avalanches persist. Conservative route choices remain the theme of the day. Iceclimbers should pay attention to freezing levels and adjust there route choices accordingly.
Weather Forecast
Friday will be mainly cloudy with some isolated flurries. Freezing levels will be around 1300m and the winds will be moderate from the west. There will be a continued cooling trend for Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of fresh snow (at treeline) and up to 50 cm of storm snow in the past week have formed a cohesive slab overtop of a series of weak layers. Test results show sudden shear failures on these layers. Moderate SW winds have created fresh wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above. Below 1800 m the snowpack is moist from rain event on Thur.
Avalanche Summary
Warm temps and rain below 1800m in Field on Thursday triggered a loose wet avalanche cycle at lower elevations. Avalanches up to size two were observed running over several of the ice climbs on Mt Dennis. A Class 3 avalanche occurred in past few days on Emerald Lake slide path.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh snow and recent wind has created fresh wind slabs in alpine and open terrain near treeline.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Persistent Slabs
The recent snow has created a touchy slab over several weak interfaces in the mid-pack. Avalanches that have run full path have been observed in many areas.
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches were observed on Thursday below 1900m. Despite cooler temperatures forecast for Friday this still may be a problem at lower elevations. Pay attention to day-time temperatures.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2