Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Apr 2 – 3, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Warmth remains the main driver of avalanche hazard as we shift into a more spring like pattern. Minimize your exposure to large slopes if the snowpack is becoming moist or wet.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Variable winds have shifted light snowfall into new wind slabs on a variety of aspects. These wind slabs may be particularly reactive due to underlying crusts.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Large cornices hang precariously over many ridge-lines.  While cornice failure is problematic enough on its own, don't discount the ability for falling cornices to release bigger slab avalanches.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Expect a mix of sun and cloud on Friday. On Saturday, a pacific front will move inland bringing up to 5cm of snow. By Sunday, a short-lived ridge should bring mainly clear skies. Ridgetop winds should be light from the southwest, becoming moderate with Saturday's pulse. Daytime freezing levels should hover around 1500m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported, although I'm sure there has been some smaller wind slab activity in higher elevation lee terrain in response to recent snow and wind.

Snowpack Summary

Generally light amounts (1-10cm) of new snow overlie a supportive melt-freeze crust. These accumulations have been blown around by variable winds and new wind slabs may exist on a variety of aspects. In general, the upper snowpack is a mix of settled storm snow, moist snow and hard crusts. The mid-March crust/facet complex is buried up to 150 cm below the surface. This layer is generally considered dormant as long as cooler temperatures prevail. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled.

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