Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Crawford, Grohman, Kokanee, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Moyie, Norns, Rossland, St. Mary, Ymir.
Sun and a high freezing level will make wet avalanches the main concern on steep slopes facing the sun.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported in the region, but we expect wet loose avalanches to occur over the next few days as the sky clears and the freezing level rises to mountain tops.
Snowpack Summary
Expect surfaces to melt and weaken as the freezing level climbs to 2800 m on Sunday. This will occur rapidly on sun-exposed slopes.
The upper snowpack consists of various melt-freeze layers and the lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly clear. 10-15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2600 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 10-15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +8 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud. 15-30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20-30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Wet avalanches will occur on steep slopes exposed to heat and/or sun.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2