Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Apr 3 – 4, 2021Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

A storm may increase avalanche danger for parts of the region. Danger will be LOW until at least ~10 cm of snow accumulates. Watch for changing conditions over the course of the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Storm slabs may develop as the day progresses. The snow may not bond well to underlying surfaces, particularly where it sits on a hard melt-freeze crust. Wind slabs have the potential to form in lee terrain features if the snow falls with elevated wind speed.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds, 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2100 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm with local amounts up to 20 cm possible, 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.

MONDAY: Clear skies, 10 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature 1 C, freezing level rising to 2200 m.

TUESDAY: Clear skies, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature 1 C, freezing level 2300 m.

Avalanche Summary

Looking forward, avalanche activity may spike during Sunday as the new snow accumulates, particularly where it overlies a hard melt-freeze crust.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is forecast at higher elevations for Sunday with elevated wind. The snow will fall onto a hard melt-freeze crust everywhere except above 2000 m on north aspects, where it will fall onto previously wind-affected snow. Below the rain-snow line, rain will soak an already wet snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Regions covered