Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Slabs over the January 30 weak layer are showing signs of becoming reactive to skier traffic.
The cold temps continue. Make sure you have the gear to stay warm if any unexpected delays occur.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A skier-triggered size 2 avalanche was reported on Quartz Ridge in the Sunshine backcountry. For more details, refer to the MIN. The avalanche seems to have occurred on a wind-loaded pocket, though the failure plane remains undetermined.
On Friday there was a report of a skiers triggered a sz 1.5 slab on the Jan. 30 layer at treeline below Wapta Peak.
Both avalanches seem to have been linked to the wind slab problem.
Snowpack Summary
30-40 cm of snow from last weekend has been affected by the wind in exposed locations. This recent snow has buried a weak layer (dated January 30) which is starting to show signs of becoming active as slab properties develop. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled, with snowpack depths at the treeline ranging from 120cm to 180cm.
Weather Summary
Cold weather will persist into the start of the week, with low temperatures around -30°C and daytime highs reaching -15°C. Expect clear skies, no precipitation, and light to moderate north winds over the coming days.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
S through W winds have created a thin layer of hard windslab in many alpine lee features and moved snow in open areas at treeline. This wind transport has contributed to slab development with potential failure planes in the storm snow and at the January 30 facets, sun crusts, and isolated surface hoar
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2