Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Slabs are touchy for a while still, avoid avalanche exposure. Ice climbers remember there is WAY more snow overhead at higher elevations.
Weather Forecast
Flurries, moderate westerly winds, and moderately cool temperatures are forecast.
Snowpack Summary
60-70cm of storm snow over the past week is surprisingly reactive. With the addition of more snow and increasing wind, windslabs can be expected, especially on lee (east) ridgecrests. There is plenty of volume for large avalanches to run long distances.
Avalanche Summary
We have had many large, deep avalanches this week, both natural and along highway control paths. It is worth noting that quite a few backcountry paths in Yoho that should have been expected to run to valley bottom by now have not produced any results. Consider your overhead hazard on ice climbs and on traditional ski tours.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
60cm of dry snow from the past week is being blown into cohesive windslabs at higher elevations. Expect these to react easily to triggers, and keep your distance from avalanche starting zones. We have seen long propagations up to 400m this past week.
- Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Persistent Slabs
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, especially in the deeper areas closer to the Wapta. Dig down to see if they are present on your line, and how they are reacting.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3