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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 15th, 2018–Apr 16th, 2018
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

More snow is expected on Monday. Observe for the bond of the new snow to the previous surfaces before committing into avalanche terrain. Be particularly cautious under periods of rapid snowfall loading, as avalanche activity will likely increase.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1200 m.TUESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, light to moderate west winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light southeast winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, small storm slab and loose wet avalanches were reactive to skier traffic within the recent storm snow. The storm slabs were at treeline and alpine elevations, 15 to 45 cm deep, and often in lee terrain features. The loose wet avalanches were generally at below treeline elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs may linger in lee alpine terrain features, which were produced from strong south winds. Rain to at least 1800 m produced wet snow on all aspects, which will freeze into a melt-freeze crust at higher elevations. New snow will fall on these surfaces. Numerous other melt-freeze crusts exist in the upper snowpack from rain, sun, and warming over the past month. The snowpack below this is generally well-settled and strong.At lower elevations below treeline, a spring snowpack exists.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Monday's snow will fall on saturated snow at low elevations, a crust at higher elevations, and wind slabs near ridge tops. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces.
Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.Avoid avalanche terrain under periods of rapid snowfall or wind-transport loading.Observe for the bond of new snow with the old surface before committing into avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

Precipitation could fall as rain at low elevations. The upper snowpack is already saturated from the weekend's rain and could slide easily with the weight of a human.
Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm or when it is raining.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5