Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2013 11:13AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet and Cornices.

gohm, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Summary

Confidence

Fair

Weather Forecast

A moist Pacific system will affect the region from Thursday through Saturday with freezing levels as high as 2200m on Thursday. Winds will be light from the SW, increasing to moderate on Friday with slight cooling and increased precipitation. Expect light rain on Thursday with mixed snow and rain on Friday.

Avalanche Summary

Moist point releases up to size 2 have been observed over the past 5 days.

Snowpack Summary

The top meter of the snowpack is moist up to 1800m. The North aspect remains dry above 2150m.Â A rain crust which formed on March 16 is 20 cm below the surface at Kootenay Pass.Â

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are a concern with forecast warm temperatures and rain. Small loose releases on steep features may gain significant mass as they slide downhill.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Cornice releases of any size may create wet avalanches that run a long way.

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2013 2:00PM