Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 3rd, 2015–Feb 4th, 2015

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

Regions: Little Yoho.

Excellent ski quality today in the Emerald lake area. Take advantage of the great conditions but be wary if the winds pick up as the danger will rise rapidly once a slab forms.

Weather Forecast

Light north winds and cold temperatures overnight (-20's). Wednesday looks clear with alpine winds increasing to moderate from the west. The next system will be coming in mid-day on Thursday and we should see 30-50 cm with rising freezing levels to 1800m and increased winds from the SW.

Snowpack Summary

40 cm of low density storm snow has fallen at 2500 m over the last few days, with minimal to no wind effect. 20 cm in the valley bottom. This new snow sits upon a melt-freeze crust until 2200 m. Shears exist within the new snow, and there is a tremendous amount of new snow available to blow into windslabs. So far the wind has been light . . .

Avalanche Summary

Multiple large loose dry avalanches out of steep terrain occurred overnight in the Emerald Lake area. These started as sluffs and gathered mass, running quite far. A large natural occurred on Mt. Stephen sometime in the last 24 hours. All of these were likely caused by localized wind loading in the area overnight.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

There is 30-50 cm of loose snow available for windslab formation at higher elevations. Currently these windslabs are very isolated or non-existent, but this will change immediately with any wind. Watch for blowing snow and beware when it happens.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

30 - 50 cm of low density powder will sluff easily and run fast and far on the Jan. 30th crust. Watch your sluff in steep terrain and heads up if the wind picks up.

On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.
The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2