Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kootenay Boundary.
Be wary of moist snow, the likelihood of triggering loose wet avalanches will increase as temperatures climb into the alpine. Reactive pockets of storm snow may linger around ridges and lee terrain where snow remains dry.
Confidence
Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / southwest wind, 25 gusting to 55 km/h / alpine low -2 C / freezing level 1600 m
WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / west wind, 25 gusting to 50 km/h / alpine high +2 C / freezing level 2200 m
THURSDAY: Showers and and wet flurries starting later in the day, 5-15 mm / southwest wind, 30 gusting to 60 km/h / alpine high +6 C / freezing level 2900 m
FRIDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks and scattered wet flurries, 5-10 mm / west wind, 20 gusting to 65 km/h / alpine high -4 C / freezing level 2500 m
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, several small size 1 wind slabs were reactive to explosives, one size 3 wind slab avalanche was triggered with a very large explosive. Near Whitewater a skier triggered a windslab avalanche on a steep northwest aspect in the alpine. See the MIN report here.
Snowpack Summary
Sun and rising freezing levels are settling the 20-40 cm recent snow on all slopes to 2000 m and sunny slopes in the alpine, dry snow may still be found on high alpine northerly slopes. A warming snowpack will drive avalanche hazard as above 0 C temperatures climb to the high alpine. Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
High freezing levels are forecasted overnight and expected to rise quickly into the alpine Wednesday. Expect the likelihood of loose wet avalanches to increase through the day, especially where fresh snow has accumulated.
- Minimize overhead exposure to cornices above.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Storm Slabs
The recent storm snow is settling with rising temperatures. Pockets of reactive snow may be encountered around ridges and steep rolls in the alpine and high treeline elevations where snow has remained dry.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5