Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 15th, 2017–Mar 16th, 2017
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high

Regions: Little Yoho.

Rain and warm temperatures continue to induce a large avalanche cycle. A cooling trend on Friday will be short lived, after which a second wave of weather will impact the forecast region.

Weather Forecast

Continued warm temps are expected tomorrow, followed by a cooling trend on Friday. The wind is supposed to stay elevated in the strong range from the West. A second wave of precip is expected, yet again, on Saturday, accompanied by temperatures near zero.

Snowpack Summary

Additional snowfall and very warm temperatures have tipped the snowpack and an avalanche cycle is still underway. A 50 cm dense slab has overloaded two prominent weaknesses in the snowpack; one down 40cm and the other in facets near the base of the snowpack. Expect rain soaked snow at low elevation and the avalanche cycle to continue.

Avalanche Summary

A major avalanche cycle is underway, avoid avalanche terrain.

Confidence

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

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

A 40-50cm cohesive windslab exists at higher elevations, and in specific wind effected areas near treeline. This slab reacts easily to tests and is producing avalanches.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, but they may be waking back up during this avalanche cycle. Avoid avalanche terrain now.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3