Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Feb 2, 2019Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Fresh storm slabs are primed for human triggers. Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    40-60 cm of snow sits above crusts and a weak layer of surface hoar. The surface hoar is likely most pronounced in shaded and sheltered areas at treeline.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Fresh storm slabs will form on a variety of surfaces and will be primed for human triggers. Start in simple terrain while you test the bond of the new snow.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Snow; 15-25 cm. / Moderate to strong, southwesterly winds / Low -3 / Freezing level valley bottom.SATURDAY: Cloudy / Light, southwesterly winds / High -3 C / Freezing level valley bottom.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy / Light, southwesterly winds / High-5 C / Freezing level below valley bottom.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, northwesterly winds / High -14 C / Freezing level below valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported in the region on Thursday. However, fresh storm slabs reactive to human triggers will likely form Friday night.

Snowpack Summary

15-20 cm of new snow has covered a wide variety of snow surfaces. Sun crusts on south aspects to mountaintops, some of which have small surface hoar(weak, feathery crystals) growing on top, which is a particularly nasty combination. Most exposed alpine areas have been heavily wind effected. 5-10 mm surface hoar has been widespread in areas that are protected from sun and wind.Around 20 to 40 cm down, expect to find a crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar is currently the primary layer of concern and may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. However, no recent avalanches have been reported on this layer.The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.

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