Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 14th, 2019 4:29PM

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

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Little Yoho.

Great ski conditions in Little Yoho. Watch for wind slabs and sluffing with increasing winds Friday in high alpine terrain. We will see a slow rise in the avalanche danger over the coming days with increased solar input.

Summary

Weather Forecast

There will be a slow increase in solar input and a general warming trend over the next week which is certainly the transition to a spring . On Friday winds will increase to strong in the alpine with a mix of sun and cloud and a few cm ending in the early AM. Every day will be slightly warmer on the weekend and rapidly rise starting Monday.

Snowpack Summary

15-30cm recent low density snow (higher amounts in western regions) over previously wind blown surfaces in the alpine, and 30-50cm of facets below. Lower elevations are completely faceted to ground. Steep areas continue to produce sluffing in many areas with buried suncrust on steep S aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Only sluffing out of very steep alpine terrain was noted in Little Yoho today.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and strong SW winds have built slabs in open areas above treeline. These slabs are sitting on the weak, faceted snow that was previously on the surface and as a result can run further than expected when triggered.

Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

If triggered on their own, loose dry avalanches that are smaller in size can be initiated in steep terrain. If triggered by a wind slab, much larger avalanches that can run far are possible as they entrains facets on the way down.

Be very cautious with gully features.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 15th, 2019 4:00PM