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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 4th, 2014–Jan 5th, 2014

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Little Yoho.

Natural avalanche activity is slowing down however the potential for human triggered avalanches remains high. Ski quality has improved significantly especially near the divide but enjoy the new snow by sticking with conservative terrain choices! CJ

Weather Forecast

Clearing skies for Sunday with Moderate NW winds and temperatures falling to the low -20's overnight.  Slightly warmer temperatures for Monday with some cloud and gusty W winds at tree line with more seasonal temperatures on Tuesday.  Little to no precipitation is expected over the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

20-30cm of recent storm snow with new wind slabs forming near ridge crests and in the alpine. This new snow overlies previous wind slabs which sit over the basal depth hoar/crust. Moderate compression test results found at tree line with sudden collapses on the depth hoar. A supportive mid pack is found near the divide and to the W.

Avalanche Summary

Today a skier accidental size 2 occurred in the W Bowl at Lake Louise which then triggered a size 2.5. Both avalanches failed on the basal facets. Yesterday numerous avalanches to size 2.5 stepping down to ground were observed in the alpine on all aspects including a size 2 on Pilsner Pillar, Mt. Dennis and a size 2 left of Silk Tassel, Mt. Field.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.