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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 11th, 2017–Mar 12th, 2017
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Little Yoho.

Danger ratings over the next few days will be determined by how warm it gets in Little Yoho. Watch for exposure to cornices, and dig down to see how the storm snow/deeper weak layers are reacting. 

Weather Forecast

Valley bottom temperatures will go above 0C Sunday, with alpine temperatures staying in -8 to -10C range with moderate W alpine winds and a few cm of snow each day through the early part of next week.

Snowpack Summary

60-70cm of storm snow this week has been reactive but is settling with the warmer temperatures. Winds at upper elevations have formed variable wind slabs and cornices, the latter being touchy Saturday.  Persistent weak layers in the midpack have been gaining strength and are becoming less of a problem, especially in deeper areas close to the Wapta. 

Avalanche Summary

We have had many large, deep avalanches this week, both natural and along highway control paths. Less activity was noted Saturday except for widespread cornice failures which were formed this past week.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

60-70cm of dry snow from the past week has been blown into cohesive wind slabs at higher elevations. These are losing sensitivity, but the snowpack will take a few days to fully adjust to the load.

  • Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Many cornice failures observed Saturday from warming temperatures. Some of these were pulling out slabs below to cause larger avalanches.  Expect the same for Sunday.

  • Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, especially in the deeper areas closer to the Wapta. Dig down to see if they are present on your line, and how they are reacting.

  • 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