Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Conditions are generally excellent right now! The one thing to watch out for is the buried Dec. 3rd surface hoar between 1500 and 1850m. This is a strange situation for most backcountry skiiers as the danger is highest below treeline.
Weather Forecast
We are under the influence of a ridge of high pressure for the next few days. Expect to see clearing skies through the week, minimal snow and light NW winds. Temperatures will remain cool in the -10 to -20 range. No inputs to significantly change the danger rating or ski conditions are expected.
Snowpack Summary
In sheltered terrain between 1500m and 1850m, a 40-50cm soft slab sits over the large December 3rd surface hoar. This layer continues to produce whumphs and easy shears where it is present. No other significant shears have been observed. In the high alpine isolated wind slabs may exist, but will settle out over the next few days.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed today in our forecast area.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
A 40 -50cm soft slab sits over the Dec 3 surface hoar in many sheltered location between 1500 m and 1850m. Continue to treat all steep open slopes below tree line with suspicion until you can rule out this weak layer.
- Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2