Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Crawford, Grohman, Kokanee, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Moyie, Norns, Rossland, St. Mary, Valhalla, Ymir.
⚠️Dangerous avalanche conditions⚠️
Stick to low-angle terrain and be mindful of overhead hazard. Human-triggered and remote-triggered avalanches remain likely.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Natural, human, and remotely triggered avalanches have been reported throughout the region daily since early last week (many size 2 to 3 and some size 3.5). These avalanches failed on layers in the recent storm snow, the mid-February weak layer, and the early-February facet/crust layer.
This MIN report details a scary avalanche incident from Sunday west of Cranbrook that has similarities to numerous recent reports throughout the province.
Snowpack Summary
Low density storm snow is gradually settling. A prominent crust is found 100 to 150 cm below the surface, with several potential weak layers above it including facets, surface hoar and thin decomposing crusts. These layers continue to produce concerning avalanches across the region. The snow below the crust is generally strong and bonded.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud. 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low-angle, well-supported terrain with no overhead hazard.
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
- Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Buried weak layers remain sensitive to human triggering and could result in very large avalanches. It is possible to trigger these layers remotely and avalanches have the potential to run full path, so watch your overhead exposure.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2.5 - 3
Storm Slabs
Recent snow accumulation has formed touchy slabs, especially in wind-exposed terrain. These slabs remain reactive to human triggering and have the potential to travel full path.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2