Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2016 8:11AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Spring Conditions. Looks like a typical spring day with a mix of conditions. The sun can be very strong at this time of year; conditions may change rapidly if the sun comes out.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mostly cloudy overnight with moderate southwest winds, light precipitation, and freezing levels down to 1000 metres. Mix of sun and cloud on Friday with scattered convective flurries and daytime freezing levels at 2200 metres. A strong ridge develops on Saturday bringing clear skies, light southerly winds and freezing levels up to at least 2500 metres. The ridge gets stronger on Sunday, temperatures and freezing levels sky-rocket to at least 3000 metres.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. One report of a natural cornice fall size 2.0 on a northeast aspect at 2200 metres on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast new snow, wind, and cooler temperatures will bring back winter to higher elevations for a day or two. Expect the old surface to re-freeze overnight and some new wind slabs may form in the lee of southwest winds. These new wind slabs may not bond well to the old hard surface. Surface crusts may break down rapidly if the sun comes out, especially on steep slopes with direct sun exposure.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanche activity is expected to increase with exposure to strong solar radiation and climbing freezing levels.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet. >Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

If the sun comes out, it wont take long for solar aspects to heat up and result in natural cornice falls.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices. >Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes. >Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on ridges. >

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2016 2:00PM