Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 24th, 2016 8:29AM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wet Slabs, Loose Wet and Storm Slabs.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Spring conditions. Plan to travel when the snow surface is frozen and strong.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud, light winds and mild temperatures are expected over the next few days. A few convective showers are possible. The daytime freezing level stays around 1200 m until Wednesday, when it begins to climb again.

Avalanche Summary

Most operators have shut down for the season. Please continue to share your backcountry observations through the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Storm slabs may be found in the high alpine. At lower elevations, monitor the overnight freeze of the snow surface. If the snow surface does not freeze overnight or if the crust is thin or breakable, daytime heating or rain will weaken the snowpack much more quickly than if there is a well frozen thick crust. Low elevation and thin snowpack areas are isothermal.

Problems

Wet Slabs

Wet slabs are becoming less likely, but could still occur during warming. Glide slabs may also occur where the whole snowpack is sliding on a smooth ground surface, like rock slabs.

Avoid slopes with glide cracks. >Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Loose Wet

Solar warming can weaken snow surface layers and lead to loose wet avalanches in steep terrain.

Be cautious of steep terrain if it is warm or raining, especially if the snow is moist or wet. >Watch for surface clues such as sluffing off of cliffs and pinwheeling. These are red flags that should prompt you to reevaluate the conditions. >

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

Isolated storm slabs may be found at upper elevations.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 25th, 2016 2:00PM