Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how the snowpack will react to the forecast weather.

A ridge of high pressure, with sunny skies and high freezing levels will dominate the weather pattern this week.

Tuesday night - Mainly clear / moderate northeast wind / alpine low temperature near -1 / freezing level 1500 m, possible alpine temperature inversion

Wednesday - Mainly sunny / light to moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 1 / freezing level 2500 m 

Thursday - Mainly sunny / moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 2 / freezing level 2700 m 

Friday - Mainly sunny / light northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 3 / freezing level 2900 m

There were a few size 1-1.5 human triggered wind slab avalanches reported over the past week. Small natural dry loose avalanches were also reported in the Kootenay Pass area.

Looking forward, wet loose avalanches are expected on steep solar aspects with sunny weather and rising freezing levels. Cornice failures will also become more likely. Wind slabs may remain reactive in leeward terrain featuresat upper elevations.

A crust exists on the surface on solar aspects, and on all aspects up to about 1800 m. Dry snow can still be found on north aspects at higher elevations. Sunshine and rising freezing levels are expected to soften the surface crust during the day. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.

• Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
• Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
• Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.