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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 23rd, 2016–Feb 24th, 2016
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Little Yoho.

We are on an improving danger trend with the current stable weather pattern, however forecasters confidence in the snowpack is still low with limited observations and many close calls in the last week in our neighbouring areas.

Weather Forecast

A very strong ridge is moving into the region bringing clear skies and light NW winds. Temperatures will remain cool but the sun effect will be strong. This ridge is expected to remain in place for most of the week. We will see good overnight freezes on Tues and Wed PM with less of a freeze and warmer temperatures on Thursday and Friday.

Snowpack Summary

The Jan 6th layer of surface hoar/facets is down 80 - 120cm at treeline. This layer is is gaining strength and producing hard to no result in tests. A layer down 50cm (Feb 11) contains surface hoar in isolated locations at treeline and is producing moderate results. Overall a well settled snowpack with a few isolated wind slabs in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No recent observations or reports from the Little Yoho area. Many recent avalanches in the last week in the neighboring Banff, Yoho & Kootenay bulletin region.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

80-130 cm of snow overlies the Jan 6th layer of surface hoar, facets and sun crust. This layer is gaining strength in the region but should be watched for at treeline and above. Be aware of isolated pockets of Feb 11 SH down 40 to 60cm in the area

  • 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

Wind Slabs

Be mindful of cross loaded features and the lees of ridges where fresh windslabs 30-60 cm thick have recently formed along with new cornice growth. If triggered, there is potential for these to step down to the persistent weak layer.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2