Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kootenay Boundary.
With spring conditions, avalanche hazard can change quickly during periods of warming or from a blast of wet spring snow. Start early and keep track of any accumulating snowfall.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to limitations in the field data.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 15-30 km/h south wind, ridgetop low temperature -2 C. Poor overnight re-freeze expected with freezing level hovering above 2000 m.
TUESDAY: Isolated and wet flurries, 5 mm. 15-25 km southwest wind, ridgetop high temperature +1 C, daytime freezing level dropping below 1500 m by evening.
WEDNESDAY: Overnight flurries, 5-15 cm. West wind gusting to 60 km/h, ridgetop high temperature -1 C, daytime freezing level 1700 m.
THURSDAY: Scattered cloud. Light southwest wind, ridgetop high temperature +2 C, daytime freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
Small (size 1) wet loose avalanches were reported around Kootenay Pass on Friday. We've had very few reports from the field recently. Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack has transitioned to spring-time conditions, with overnight crusts transitioning to moist snow during the day, and, if any spring flurries accumulate, isolated and lingering winter-ish conditions at the highest shaded elevations. Overall the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts. The snowpack deteriorates rapidly at lower elevations.
Terrain and Travel
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
A dusting of wet flurries is forecast to start late Tuesday. Any fresh snow will slide easy on the crust below. Take care where wind moves snow to deeper, more cohesive deposits.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Remember that sun and warm air, or rain can quickly cause the snowpack to loose strength and trigger loose wet avalanches that may entrain recent snow and travel far.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5