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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 9th, 2025–Feb 10th, 2025

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Little Yoho.

Slabs over the January 30 weak layer are showing signs of becoming reactive to skier traffic.

The cold temps continue. Make sure you have the gear to stay warm if any unexpected delays occur.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A skier-triggered size 2 avalanche was reported on Quartz Ridge in the Sunshine backcountry. For more details, refer to the MIN. The avalanche seems to have occurred on a wind-loaded pocket, though the failure plane remains undetermined.

On Friday there was a report of a skiers triggered a sz 1.5 slab on the Jan. 30 layer at treeline below Wapta Peak.

Both avalanches seem to have been linked to the wind slab problem.

Snowpack Summary

30-40 cm of snow from last weekend has been affected by the wind in exposed locations. This recent snow has buried a weak layer (dated January 30) which is starting to show signs of becoming active as slab properties develop. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled, with snowpack depths at the treeline ranging from 120cm to 180cm.

Weather Summary

Cold weather will persist into the start of the week, with low temperatures around -30°C and daytime highs reaching -15°C. Expect clear skies, no precipitation, and light to moderate north winds over the coming days.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.