Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 11th, 2019–Apr 12th, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

As soon as the sun comes out the surface snow will quickly become moist and increase the likelihood of loose wet avalanches.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / light north wind / freezing level 1000 mFRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / light northeast wind / alpine high temperature -3 C / freezing level 2000 mSATURDAY: Cloudy / up to 10 cm snow accumulation / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature -4 C / freezing level 1700 mSUNDAY: Cloudy / 5 cm snow accumulation / moderate southwest wind / alpine high temperature -6 C / freezing level 1500 m

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, only a few explosive triggered wind slab avalanches were reported. On Tuesday, a few human triggered wind/storm slabs up to size 1 were observed on sun affected slopes in the alpine.On Monday, only a few human triggered loose wet avalanches to size 1 were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Last week's unsettled weather produced 10-35 cm of snow that sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects, but on north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the recent new snow sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). The recent snow is bonding well with the underlying layers. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and sun exposure will increase the likelihood of loose wet avalanches.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Minimize overhead exposure to cornices above.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs of various ages can be found in immediate lee features along ridge crests and might still be triggered by humans.

Use caution in lee areas and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5