Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2017 4:34PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

cam_c, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Heavy snowfall and wind has resulted in HIGH avalanche danger at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Still snowing with 10 to 20cm forecast by Friday evening with strong SW winds. Continued warm with freezing level unchanged (around 1300m).SATURDAY: Scattered flurries with light snowfall, moderate southwesterly winds and freezing levels around 1000 m.SUNDAY: Flurries bringing another 5-10cm with moderate southerly winds and freezing levels dropping to 500m.

Avalanche Summary

Reports from Wednesday include numerous natural and skier and explosives controlled storm and wind slab avalanches up to Size 2. Slab avalanche size and likelihood is expected to increase with forecast new snow, wind, and warming.

Snowpack Summary

30-60cm in the past few days brings the total to 50-100cm since the weekend, which is bonding poorly to a sun crust on previously sun-exposed slopes, or facets and large surface hoar shaded aspects. Wind slabs have formed in exposed areas from shifting SW to NW winds and more snow and wind is forecast. A variety crusts and thin surface hoar layers, in the upper snowpack are becoming more of a concern with this increased load. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 170 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a deep persistent weakness of facets near the ground.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow will become more reactive as warming temperatures and wind promote slab development. Particularly deep and touchy wind slabs are lurking behind ridges and ribs, but also in open treeline areas.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2017 2:00PM