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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 9th, 2014–Dec 10th, 2014
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
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
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
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Little Yoho.

Warm temperatures and rain below 2000m will destabilize a weak early season snowpack. Ice climbers in particular should stay out of gully features especially at low elevations.

Weather Forecast

Warm temperatures, strong winds and up to 30 mm of precip with freezing levels to 2000m over on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday will bring cooler temperatures and lighter winds with less precipitation.

Snowpack Summary

Warmer daytime temperatures are promoting settlement of the upper snowpack and creating more of a slab over the basal facets/ rain crust especially in wind affected areas. The lower half of the snowpack is poorly structured, with facets (Nov 24th) below the recent storm snow, thin crusts (Nov 6th) below this, and then depth hoar near the ground.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches seen in the Little Yoho region today.

Confidence

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

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The primary problems in the snowpack are the Nov. 6th and 24th facet/crust interfaces. These layers are most reactive in alpine/ treeline areas where the wind has slabbed up the surface snow.

  • Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
  • Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and rain will increase avalanche activity especially at lower elevations and in gully features.

  • Choose ice climbs that are not exposed to avalanches from above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2