Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 14th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.

chris gooliaff, Avalanche Canada

Little Yoho.

The widespread surface hoar that sparkled in the sun last week has now been buried by 5-15cm of snow. In alpine areas affected by wind, soft slabs are touchy to skier loads. Pay attention to a change in the surface snow and avoid slabs.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

Today in Yoho, we found soft slabs in alpine lee terrain, and were able to cut out small pockets on unsupported rolls. The slabs popped out quickly as they overlie surface hoar. Fast sluffing on surface hoar where the wind hasn't touched the slope.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Strong winds from earlier in the month have created large cornices on lee (mostly easterly) aspects. Several large cornice collapses have been observed over the past week. These cornices could be a big enough to trigger a deep slab.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 15th, 2012 4:00PM