Kootenay Boundary

Human triggered avalanches remain possible at all elevations. A cautious approach to backcountry travel is recommended.

High -

TUESDAY NIGHT -Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries / northwest winds 10-20 km/h / alpine low temperature near -11WEDNESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / northeast winds 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near -9THURSDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / northwest winds 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near -9FRIDAY - Mainly cloudy with flurries, 2-4 cm / southwest winds, 15-35 km/h / alpine high temperature near -10

Numerous skier triggered avalanches have been reported everyday for the past week. Although most avalanches have been small (size 1-1.5), some have shown impressive propagation. Check some of the recent MIN reports for examples (here and here).

Surface snow consists of a mix of low density snow and wind affected surfaces. 20 to 40 cm of snow from the past week is gradually settling, and in some areas has shown signs of becoming reactive above above a surface hoar and crust layer that was buried on February 7th. This layer is suspect at all elevations, particularly on wind loaded slopes and on steep south-facing terrain.Two other surface hoar layers are buried 50 to 80 cm deep the snowpack (referred to as the February 1st and mid-January layers). Although they have not been reactive recently, they are still being monitored by professionals. These layers are most prevalent below treeline on shady aspects. The lower snowpack is well settled.