Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2017 4:53PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Wind slabs are the main concern right now. Carefully assess terrain before committing to bigger lines.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We're back to wet spring weather late on Monday through Tuesday. Brief clearing for Wednesday. MONDAY: Rain (5-10mm) falling mostly after noon, with wet snow (5-10cm) above 1700m. Winds 20-30 km/h from the south.TUESDAY: Wet snow or rain (10-15mm / cm). Freezing level around 1700 m. Winds moderate southwesterly.WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level rising to 2100m. Winds moderate southerly.

Avalanche Summary

No new reported.

Snowpack Summary

Sustained warm temperatures (+6 at treeline) likely resulted in moist snow on all elevations and aspects during the day on Sunday. An overnight re-freeze may give a widespread (breakable) crust on a wide range of elevations and aspects. The snow and shifting wind directions during the last snowfall on Thursday-Friday created fresh slabs on a variety of aspects at Treeline and above. We've had limited observations to help us determine how it is bonding to the underlying crust.Cornices are large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting wind directions have created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

If the snow does not experience an overnight re-freeze, there is an increased risk of loose wet avalanches. Even small slides can have serious consequences.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2017 2:00PM