The biggest concerns in Little Yoho are storm slabs which are still likely for human triggering, as well as any solar heating.
30-40cm of storm snow has fallen and has created widespread storm slabs in alpine and tree-line areas. The storm snow will need several days to settle and bond. In the alpine wind will have contributed to making the storm slabs even thicker.
Freezing levels to 1900m with some sun will mean an increase in avalanche danger as the day warms up. This will be especially the case in steep terrain around rocky features.
The November basal facets and depth hoar have been mainly dormant in this region. This recent storm was a good test. We have seen few avalanches on this layer. Thin spots or places exposed to large loads (cornice) would be areas of greatest concern.
We have just come out of an avalanche cycle to size 4 with many avalanches running to valley bottom. Avalanche control Thursday on Mt. Bosworth produced avalanches up to size 2.5. No other avalanches occurring in the last 24 hours were reported in the Little Yoho region.
Recent storm snow has settled to around 30cm above 2300m. This lies over previous surfaces such as sun crusts up to ridge top and faceted layers on shady aspects. Below 2300m, surface crusts lie over a fairly isothermal snowpack due to previous rain.
Several buried crusts are in the top 50-60 cm on solar aspects. The basal depth hoar is present but is only a concern in thin areas.
Friday: As the day warms up expect convective flurries up to 5cm in some locations along the front ranges. Winds will be light from the East with freezing levels 1700-1900m.
Saturday: Starting sunny and clouding over in the afternoon. Winds will be increased from the SW and freezing levels to 2000m.
