Avalanche forecast

Little Yoho

Apr 9 – 10, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
No rating
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Highlights

The snowpack in Little Yoho is significantly better than the shallower snowpack areas to the east, although avalanche danger looks to rise again on Thursday due to a warm and sunny day. This should produce a daily melt-freeze cycle, and good powder snow exists on high north aspects. Danger ratings reflect the warmest part of the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    5-10 cm from Tuesday night with WSW wind has formed thin windslabs on alpine lee features reactive to ski cuts by ski hill snow safety teams.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Below the recent snow, a 90-150 cm slab sits on the Jan 30 facet layer. On all but high north aspects, recent sun crusts and the March 27 rain crust cap this slab, providing some security. Continue to use caution in thinner, high areas or when these crusts are weak or breaking down with daytime heat.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Thursday looks like a sunny day, which will inevitably cause loose wet avalanches to release. Be wary in gullies or near rock bands which absorb the heat.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Surface crusts are found in most locations except north-facing alpine zones. The integrity of the snowpack is based mostly upon the strength of the surface crust when it refreezes overnight (or doesn't). In areas with no surface crust, where the snow is dry and the ski conditions are best, the snowpack is generally strong, but a mid-pack layer of facets (Jan 30) remains the main buried weak layer of concern.

Weather Summary

Wednesday evening looks clear, giving a good possibility of a freeze for Thursday morning.

Thursday and Friday look like sunny days, with valley bottom highs of +10 and freezing levels reaching 2500 m on Thursday. Slow cooling will follow into the weekend, with classic spring weather - mostly clear but some rain and snow flurries but no significant accumulation (~5 cm).

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
  • Start your day early and be out of avalanche terrain during the heat of the day.

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