Kootenay Boundary

Temperatures are on the rise and the sun is coming out, increasing avalanche danger through the day. Plan to ride more conservative terrain as the day progresses.

On Wednesday, a few large storm slabs were reported near Fernie (size 1.5 and 2). As well, small wet loose avalanches above the crust have been occurring daily for several days.

It's expected that avalanche activity will increase as the sun hits the recent storm snow for the first time. Resulting in slabs and loose avalanches. Wind loaded pockets may still be rider-triggered up high, too.

The last two days brought around 30 to 50 cm of snow from the storm, with closer to 20 in Alberta. The new snow is likely sitting on a crust up high or moist snow down low. As the sun comes out and the temperature rises, this snow is likely to slide on the crust.

The upper snowpack is wet, with several softening crusts. Several weak layers from early March, mid-February, and late January can be found in the mid and lower snowpack.

The remainder of the snowpack is generally well settled.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, clearing. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.

Friday

Mostly sunny with 2 cm of snow ending in the morning. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 10 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.