Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Feb 25 – 26, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Recent variable winds have affected the snowpack at all elevations. Watch for dense, cohesive slabs in all areas - especially fresh slabs forming from southwest winds.

Head to sheltered terrain at lower elevations for the best chance of finding good riding conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Expect variable wind affected surfaces on all aspects and at all elevations. Strong north/east winds from earlier this week have now been replaced by south/west winds building fresh wind slabs where snow is available for transport.

    Watch for wind loading mid to low on slopes, and be wary of cross-loaded features. Wind affected snow may sit over a layer of surface hoar in sheltered terrain features which may increase reactivity.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday slab avalanches were rider triggered to size 2 in steep terrain features.

The storm produced natural slab avalanches to size 2, and explosive controlled avalanches to size 3 earlier this week. Some occurred within the storm snow, with several involving the buried surface hoar layer from mid February.

Snowpack Summary

Wind affected snow can be found on the surface at all elevations. Small pockets of dense wind slab may be found on many aspects as winds have varied from north through east. There is likely limited snow available for transport for fresh wind slab development from current southwest winds. Exposed east facing terrain may be scoured back to hard surfaces.

A layer of surface hoar can be found on shaded slopes, and a sun crust on sun affected slopes buried 30-60 cm deep. Another layer of surface hoar sits up to 80 cm deep. Otherwise, the snowpack is generally well consolidated and bonding.

The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and have not produced recent avalanche activity. We continue to track the layer and watch for any signs that it could wake up and produce very large avalanches.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Mostly clear skies with no precipitation. Moderate westerly winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom.

Saturday

Snowfall begins late afternoon, delivering up to 5 cm. Freezing levels remain below valley bottom but conditions warm throughout the day with alpine highs of -10 °C. Moderate southwest winds continue.

Sunday

Up to 20 cm overnight with snow continuing over Sunday with up to 10 cm possible. Freezing levels around 600 m. Alpine high of -7 °C with moderate to strong southwest winds.

Monday

Cloudy with moderate southerly winds easing slightly. Alpine high of -5 °C. Possible flurries.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

Regions covered