Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2013 10:23AM

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.

triley, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

A ridge of High pressure is expected to develop over the interior regions by Monday evening. The high pressure is expected to continue to cause clearing skies and light winds on Tuesday. The next Pacific disturbance is forecast to make its way into the interior on Wednesday, bringing light precipitation, rising freezing levels and strong gusty winds. Unsettled weather with cloud and periods of convective showers are forecast for Thursday.

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 cms of new snow has fallen at 1800 metres elevation. Moderate East-Southeast winds have transported snow into wind slabs at alpine elevations, and scoured down to a hard crust on Easterly 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.>Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

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 9th, 2013 2:00PM