Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Moyie, Norns, Rossland, South Okanagan, Ymir.
It will likely still be warm with a mix of sun and cloud on Thursday. If the sun stays out for an extended time think about an increase in the likelihood of loose wet avalanches running in steep terrain facing the sun.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday there were several reports of wet loose avalanches running to size 1.5 in steep terrain facing the sun.
Snowpack Summary
There is likely a surface crust or moist snow on all aspects except north. On high northerly slopes, new snow from last week may overlie facets and surface hoar to mountain tops.
The mid-pack is generally well-settled.
The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary facets near the ground. No recent avalanches have been reported on this layer. However, we continue to track the layer and watch for any signs of it becoming active again.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Clear with cloudy periods. Light northeast wind. High of -7 °C at treeline. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. Light northeast wind. High of 1 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 1900m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Light southwest wind. High of -3 °C at treeline. Freezing level 1400m.
Saturday
Cloudy with flurries. Light southwest wind. High of -4 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 1300m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
The sun may be out for extended periods so expect to see an increase in thin loose wet avalanche activity on steep terrain facing the sun.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5