Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 11th, 2019 4:42PM

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

ldreier, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

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

Summary

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.

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

Valid until: Apr 12th, 2019 2:00PM