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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 19th, 2017–Jan 20th, 2017

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Little Yoho.

Ice climbers in particular should be careful with storm slabs while approaching ice routes, and limit overhead exposure in gully terrain.  Cooler temperatures are on the way which will help reduce the overall reactivity.  SH

Weather Forecast

A slow cooling trend for Friday (-6C) and cooler yet on the weekend (-15 to -18). Mainly light SW winds and only a few cm of snow in the forecast. Lots of

Snowpack Summary

30-40cm of settled warm snow sits over a lower density snowpack of facets up to 1800m, and then over a generally well settled snowpack above this. Facet layers are observed but much less prevalent than out East. Storm slabs from the warmth and humidity are extensive in the region and recent SW winds have formed wind slabs in alpine locations.

Avalanche Summary

Many storm slab natural avalanches in the size 1 to 2 range below 1800m. These were mainly (but not exclusive to) below cliff walls and were 30-60cm thick. These storm slabs were likely failing on the facets which exist at this elevation band. Alpine observations saw little activity with in and out visibility.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.