Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 17th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

jminifie, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary, Moyie, Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, South Okanagan, Ymir.

Avalanche Danger is low but don't let your guard down. If you find yourself in an area where stiff, old wind slabs still exist use extra caution. Your best bet for finding soft snow is in sheltered terrain features most likely on north aspects.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in this region. That being said, older wind slabs still linger extra caution should be used if you encounter stiff snow on steep slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar is growing on the top of the snowpack in many areas. The snow is quite variable in the area consisting of either wind slabs or wind pressed snow, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and some better quality snow in sheltered areas.

The middle of the snowpack is well consolidated and stiff and contains persistent layers which have not produced avalanches in quite a long time.

The lower snowpack consists of weak, sugary crystals which have been slowly gaining strength.

Weather Summary

Friday night

Cloudy with flurries. Wind from the southwest at 10 km/h. Temperature -5˚C.

Saturday

Cloudy early and clearing into the late afternoon. 5 cm of new snow in the morning. Wind from the southwest 10 km/h. Temperature -4˚C.

Sunday

Clouds building through the day. 5 cm of new snow. Wind from the southwest 5 km/h. Temperature -6˚C to -2˚C.

Monday

Cloudy. 5 - 10 cm of new snow mostly coming later in the day. Wind from the south at 10 - 15 km/h. Temperature -5˚C rising to +1˚C by the afternoon.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs vary in age across the region but can be sitting on weaker crystals so triggering is still possible. Tread with caution on stiff, drum-like snow as firm wind slabs can be unpredictable.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 18th, 2023 4:00PM