Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
We’ve removed the deep persistent problem from the forecast region due to a lack of recent avalanche activity. The layer still exists in the snowpack (see snowpack summary) and could be reintroduced as a problem in the future.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Minimal natural avalanche activity was observed during a flight across the forecast region on Friday. Avalanche control Friday triggered very few slab avalanches, with no failures on the deep persistent problem. The majority of results were loose dry avalanches, which entrained the faceted snowpack and ran far down the paths.
Snowpack Summary
Recent strong winds and snow have created winds slabs on lee features in the alpine and at treeline. The upper pack may have a thin crust under the new snow on solar aspects and a surface hoar/facet interface under last week's snow, but no avalanches observed on this layer yet. The mid-pack is generally strong; however, a facet layer can be found near the ground in shallow snowpack areas. At treeline, average snowpack depth ranges from 120 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
An Arctic air mass has settled over the region, with forecasted low temperatures dropping to -25°C on Saturday night. Clear skies and light to moderate northerly winds are expected on Sunday.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong to extreme winds with light flurries on Thursday formed wind slabs 10-30 cm thick in alpine and treeline lees. There is some uncertainty whether this problem is still a concern at treeline elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2