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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 7th, 2021–Apr 8th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kootenay Boundary.

Fresh wind slabs may have formed on many aspects due to changing wind directions. 

Keep in mind that even brief periods of sun could initiate avalanche activity in the new snow.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night - Flurries, 5-10 cm / moderate southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -6 / freezing level 1000 m

Thursday - A mix of sun and cloud with scattered flurries / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 1500 m

Friday - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 1700 m 

Saturday - A mix of sun and cloud / moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1500 m 

Avalanche Summary

Fresh and reactive wind slabs may be forming with new snow and wind.

No new avalanches were observed on Saturday. A few size 1 dry loose avalanches were reported on Sunday. No new avalanches were reported on Monday. A few size 1.5 dry loose and wet loose avalanches were reported on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of snow is expected on Wednesday night, with moderate southwest wind. Pockets of wind slab may form on multiple aspects due to a forecast change in wind direction on Thursday.

The new snow likely sits on a crust in most places, except above 2000 m on northerly aspects, where it sits dry snow. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.