Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 18th, 2013 9:45AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: Relatively benign weather is anticipated through the forecast period.Tuesday and Wednesday: Flurries. Calm. Freezing level around 900 m.Thursday: Clearing, with sunny breaks likely. Light southwest winds. Freeezing level around 900 m.

Avalanche Summary

One small slab avalanche was reported on Sunday in alpine terrain. Several small loose snow avalanches have been reported in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm of recent snowfall (possibly a little more near Kokanee Glacier Park) overlies a recent layer of surface hoar buried around Feb 12. We have had some reports this layer contains crystals up to 30mm in some locations. This large size of crystal increases the likelihood this layer will present problems as it becomes more deeply buried. Expect to see wind slabs in exposed areas. Two previous buried surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers from Feb 4th and Jan 23 are still being tracked by professionals but have not been reactive recently. They can be found approximately 30 cm and 50 cm below the surface, respectively. These layers may be worth investigating on a safe, representative adjacent slope if you are considering riding in aggressive terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Generally light but locally gusty winds have loaded lee features on a potentially weak interface.

Watch freshly wind loaded features in steep terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 19th, 2013 2:00PM