Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Dec 13 – 14, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

There is still uncertainty with where persistent slabs may still be reactive after last week's rain event. Be sure to post observations on the Mountain Information Network.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs may be triggerable by riders, especially where wind has moved snow into leeward terrain features.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    This surface hoar layer was seen after the rain storm in some areas, 4-20mm big. As the moisture in the snowpack migrates and freezes, the weak layer may melt or bond, and crusts above it may become more robust, making it harder to trigger.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

There are no new avalanches to report in past few days.

Snowpack Summary

30-55 cm of snow sits on a 5-15 cm melt-freeze crust. Below this crust you may find moist snow to ground, or dry, possibly refrozen snow and a layer of somewhat preserved surface hoar around 60 cm deep.

Triggering this layer of surface hoar may be possible in areas where the overlying crust is thinner and less supportive. We recommend treating this layer as suspect while we await more observations.

Snow depth is generally 70-110 cm at treeline, tapering quickly below. The mid and lower snowpack may contain a weak facet layer in shallower areas.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mainly Cloudy. Light west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -8 °C, with possible temperature inversion in the alpine.

Wednesday

Mainly sunny. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3°C, with possible temperature inversion in the alpine.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. Isolated flurries with 1-3 cm accumulation. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -4°C.

Friday

Mainly cloudy. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

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