Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Today, explosive control of cornices produced surprisingly large avalanches. Essentially, these large cornices acted like a rake and entrained the loose and faceted snowpack in the avalanche paths affected. Don't forget to look up.
Weather Forecast
On Friday weather models are showing up to 16cm of precipitation, Additionally, the winds will increase to moderate from the west. This new snow and wind will increase the danger rating to considerable late Friday or early Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
The recent storm snow is starting to settle. On average the storm snow has settled to about 10cm. This storm snow sits on top of wind slabs, both soft and hard, in alpine lee areas.
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche control on Mt. Whymper and Mt. Dennis produced some large 'facet' avalanches. Explosive control was used to drop the cornices above start zones, which subsequently scrapped out the faceted snowpack. However, without a large cornice like scrub brush, avalanches were actually quite hard to trigger.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The recent storm snow has started to settle. On average, this amounts to about 10cm. Additionally, wind slabs, both hard and soft, still linger in alpine lee areas.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices seem particularly ripe at the moment. Bigger cornices above start zones have the potential to fail and rake out the faceted snowpack, creating large avalanches. Keep in mind what is looming over your head
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3