Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kootenay Boundary.
Little change expected over the week as cold air pushes through BC. The most likely spots for avalanches is wind affected terrain near ridges.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with some isolated flurries, 30 km/h wind from the northwest, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.
MONDAY: Partly cloudy, 20-30 km/h wind from the northwest, alpine temperatures around -10 C.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind, alpine temperatures around -12 C.
WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 40-60 km/h wind from the northeast, alpine temperatures around -12 C.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche activity has been reported.
Snowpack Summary
Winter weather has arrived, but the snowpack is still shallow with lots or rocks and logs poking out (see these recent MIN reports here and here for some pictures). Total snowpack depth ranges from 80 to 100 cm on north-facing alpine terrain, while south-facing terrain only has 30 to 80 cm. There is 5-20 cm of low density snow on the surface sitting above widespread crusts. The most likely place for avalanches right now is on slopes where the wind has blown the recent snow into wind slabs.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The most likely spot for avalanches is at higher elevations where recent wind has blown the snow into wind slabs. Be careful around ridgetops and alpine terrain where these wind slabs may exist.
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5