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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 19th, 2017–Jan 20th, 2017
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
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Little Yoho.

Ice climbers in particular should be careful with storm slabs while approaching ice routes, and limit overhead exposure in gully terrain.  Cooler temperatures are on the way which will help reduce the overall reactivity.  SH

Weather Forecast

A slow cooling trend for Friday (-6C) and cooler yet on the weekend (-15 to -18). Mainly light SW winds and only a few cm of snow in the forecast. Lots of

Snowpack Summary

30-40cm of settled warm snow sits over a lower density snowpack of facets up to 1800m, and then over a generally well settled snowpack above this. Facet layers are observed but much less prevalent than out East. Storm slabs from the warmth and humidity are extensive in the region and recent SW winds have formed wind slabs in alpine locations.

Avalanche Summary

Many storm slab natural avalanches in the size 1 to 2 range below 1800m. These were mainly (but not exclusive to) below cliff walls and were 30-60cm thick. These storm slabs were likely failing on the facets which exist at this elevation band. Alpine observations saw little activity with in and out visibility.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

40cm of new snow has settled into slabs with the warm and humid weather. These will be most reactive at lower elevations in steep (35+ degree) terrain where they sit over facets. Cooling temperatures over the next few days should slow activity.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Recent moderate to strong SW winds have redistributed storm snow creating wind slabs in alpine locations.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2