Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 24th, 2015 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
snow safety,
Avalanche Canada
Human triggered avalanches are likely, and large natural avalanches are possible Sunday due to strong West winds, warm temperatures, and recent snow. SH
Summary
Weather Forecast
Mainly cloudy conditions Sunday, with westerly alpine winds reaching 100+km/h in the Little Yoho region. Temperatures will remain above zero at valley bottom and alpine temperatures will stay just below freezing. We don't expect any significant snow over the next 3 days.
Snowpack Summary
15-30+ cm of snow over the last 24 hours and strong W winds are creating wind slabs at treeline and above. The snowpack in the Emerald Lake and Mt. Field area is about 130-160cm deep, with the main weakness being the Dec 18 surface hoar down 50-70cm. This layer continues to produce moderate to hard results, but the layer is not found in all areas.
Avalanche Summary
Sloughing and loose, wet avalanches up to size 1.5 were observed out of steep, rocky terrain. Limited observations in the area today.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
With the new snow and strong W winds, wind slabs are forming in open areas above tree line. These may fail naturally in some locations and are likely to be skier triggered in steep terrain so avoid freshly wind loaded areas.
- Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
The Dec18 surface hoar continues to be found 50-70cm down. This layer should be considered carefully especially as we experience warming temps and the recent additional snow load.
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
- Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Warm temperatures and any sun will start small, wet avalanches, especially in steep, rocky terrain. These will be especially of concern to ice climbers in gully features.
- Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 25th, 2015 4:00PM
