Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2013 10:50AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: A cold front traveling across the province will bring light to locally moderate precipitation. Freezing levels 2000m and strong westerly winds are expected.Thursday: A lull between weather systems will mostly overcast skies with sunny breaks. Some light precipitation is possible. Freezing levels 1500m and strong northwesterly winds.Friday: Another pacific frontal system affects the interior with some precipitation, but not until later in the day. Moderate west winds and freezing level at 1800m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. Expect loose wet snow releases from steep terrain at treeline and below. Pockets of wind slab may be triggered by skiers or riders at higher elevations.

Snowpack Summary

30-40cm of new snow has fallen at 1800m elevation and above. Recent moderate winds have created wind slabs in alpine leeward slopes and scoured the new snow down to a hard crust on windward aspects. The snowpack continues to be moist below the crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline. Wind slabs are reported to be stiff and stubborn to trigger.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>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.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Wet

Loose wet snow slides may release naturally from steep terrain at treeline and below. Wet slides in motion may gain a lot of mass as they scour isothermal snowpacks down to the ground.

Avoid travelling on slopes which are becoming wet due to rain, warm temperatures, or sun.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 10th, 2013 2:00PM