Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Grohman, Kokanee, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, Ymir.
Expect changing conditions as you gain elevation
Wet avalanches are a concern with low elevation rain, while storm snow accumulating at higher elevations may be sensitive to human triggers
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, small wet loose activity was produced by the sun and rider traffic.
Looking forward, we expect avalanche activity to be possible in rain saturated terrain, but likely at elevations that receive new snow.
Snowpack Summary
A mix of wet snow and rain will fall over a wet upper snowpack or a crust at high elevations. Terrain below 1800 m will receive mostly rain.
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.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +8 °C. Freezing level remains above 2300 m.
Monday
Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of wet snow or rain. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level lowers to 2000 m over the day.
Tuesday
Another 10 to 20 cm of snow is possible overnight above 1500 m.
Cloudy with 5 cm of new snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level around 1800 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with flurries. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level around 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- 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.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Wet, heavy snow at higher elevations may slide easily on the old snow surfaces. Watch for deeper and more reactive deposits near ridgelines.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are most likely at treeline and below, where the snowpack will be affected by rain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2