Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Reports of reactive wind slabs and power sluffing in steep areas. This should improve as we go into the deep freeze over the Christmas period, but may take a couple of days. Great ski quality where there hasn't been wind.
Weather Forecast
The forecast Friday is for decreasing wind speed, 5cm of snow, and temperatures between -10 and -15C. The following days will consist of decreasing temperatures as we go into the deep freeze, with -30C or lower forecast after Christmas.
Snowpack Summary
20-40cm over the last 48 hours with strong winds have created windslabs at treeline and above. There is 70-110cm over the Dec 2 rain crust which exists below 2200 but is not yet active. We are watching this layer very closely.
Avalanche Summary
Both SSV and LL ski area report thin windslab formation from strong winds Tues & Wed, up to size 1.5. Some audible avalanches were heard in the alpine on Mt. Field Thursday, but visibility was poor. Other ski cut wind slabs and dry loose were noted in Kootenay out of steep terrain similar to that in Little Yoho.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and strong winds have created windslabs down into treeline. Some observations of these being reactive to ski cutting on Thursday.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Steep terrain will have this problem continue in the short term. Slough management will be important, and climbers should be aware of areas that got more snow than expected.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep, confined or exposed terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5