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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 10th, 2015–Nov 11th, 2015

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

Regions

Little Yoho.

Note that we have changed the boundary of the Little Yoho forecast region to now include the Field ice climbs on Mt. Dennis and Mt. Stephen. This is an important change. For the record, they're not ready to climb yet . . . but soon, forming fast.

Weather Forecast

Looks like a stormy week ahead, as a NW flow brings 10 cm of snow by mid-day on Wednesday while temperatures remain cool (-8 to -11). After a short break on Thursday, looks like a pumper of a storm for Friday with amounts up to 30 cm being predicted . . . alas, accompanied by significant warming. Expect an avalanche cycle on Friday up high.

Snowpack Summary

Total snowpack depths range from 35-45 cm at treeline across the forecast area with a 5mm layer of surface hoar on the surface. Approximately 25 cm of light snow overlies slightly stronger layer that sits on the ground. Two shears exist: one on the ground, and another down 15 cm from the top. Overall this snowpack is weak with little structure.

Avalanche Summary

Limited observations in the Little Yoho area, but expect slabs up to size 2.5 in high, glaciated terrain. Small avalanches observed in the Field ice climbs and on the west facing side of Mt. Ogden. Climbers should expect sluffing in gully areas.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

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.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.