Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Jan 12 – 13, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–4
    Wind slabs created during and just after the last storm have grown old and tired.  Watch for isolated small wind slabs near ridgetop.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    The 50 - 100 cm of storm snow has settled out nicely and the likelihood of triggering has greatly decreased. I suspect it's still possible to trigger an avalanche failing on the Jan. 4th interface in terrain that is steep rocky and/or convex.

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Ridgetop winds light NW. Freezing level at valley bottom. No significant snowfall. 1500m temp: -10Monday:  Mod/Strong W/NW winds at ridgetop.  Freezing level at valley bottom.  No significant snowfall.Tuesday: Freezing level rising to 2000m around lunch time.

Avalanche Summary

Several reports of both natural and human triggered loose snow avalanches from steep terrain to size 1.5. Isolated skier controlled wind slabs to size 1 at ridge top. 

Snowpack Summary

10 cm of light density snow fell Thursday adding to the 60 cm of settled storm snow that rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. The bonds at this interface are improving.  The layer is still alive and well in test pits but has not been reactive to human triggering in the last day or so.  Wind slabs created by the previously raucous SW winds have grown old & tired. The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 120cm. The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists but seams to have gone dormant for the time being.

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