Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 5th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Great skiing can be found in much of the forecast region.
Be aware of strong wind values forecasted for Tuesday, as these winds are expected to increase natural avalanche activity in the region.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed or reported on Sunday in the Little Yoho region. We recommend that backcountry users closely monitor wind conditions over the next few days, as forecasted winds are expected to initiate a loose dry and wind slab cycle.
Snowpack Summary
25-45 cm unconsolidated snow makes up the surface of a 120-150 cm snowpack at treeline while 140-175cm can be found in the alpine. The mid-pack is generally strong but a weak crust/facet layer can often be found near the ground, particularly in shallower areas. Conditions within the Little Yoho Region are much better than areas further east in BYK.
Weather Summary
We’ll start the week with clear skies, light ridge-top winds, and freezing levels near the valley bottom on Monday. Clear skies will persist on Tuesday, though ridge winds will increase to strong. No precipitation is expected until the end of the week.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
As in the BYK region, weak facets and depth hoar associated with remnant crusts can be found near the base of the snowpack. Evidence suggests that this problem is specific to shallower areas of the Little Yoho region. Avoiding thin areas will help limit your exposure to this problem.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Small wind inputs have triggered isolated windslabs in the BYK region, and we expect similar effects in Little Yoho. With 20-30 cm of low-density snow available for transport, increasing winds on Tuesday will escalate both size and sensitivity of the problem.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 6th, 2025 4:00PM
