Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Many areas of Little Yoho have great skiing and a strong deep snowpack. Watch for wind slabs in steep terrain, minimize exposure to cornices which have grown in size recently, and avoid shallow areas where weak basal facets are present.
Weather Forecast
Moderate NW alpine winds with light flurries are forecast on Monday with alpine temperatures between -15 and -18 C. Winds become light and shift to the N on Tuesday as a clearing trend occurs. Wednesday is also clear with rising temperatures.
Snowpack Summary
Some wind effect in the alpine with isolated wind slabs at ridge tops and in lee areas. Up to 40 of snow over the last few days sits over a well settled snowpack with lingering concerns for shallow areas where the basal facets are still present. The Feb 1 crust is present below 1900m and buried between 20 and 50 cm deep depending on the elevation.
Avalanche Summary
No new observations or reports of avalanches in the Little Yoho region on Sunday. Some sluffing in steep rocky terrain was observed due to wind transport up high.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain on Wednesday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind effect and wind slabs are present in isolated areas at treeline and more common in the alpine. Skier triggering the wind slabs is possible in steep or convex terrain. Recent cornice development has also occurred so minimize exposure to cornices.
- Use caution on steep lee and cross-loaded slopes
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong in this region. Concern still exists for shallow areas especially in the alpine where the basal facets exist. Probe regularly to determine snow depth and whether the weaker basal facets are present.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3