Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 1st, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Give the storm snow another day to settle before venturing into larger or more committing terrain. The spring sun is starting to get stronger, use extra caution around slopes that are being warmed by the sun.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, north of Nelson, numerous small (size 1-1.5) rider triggered avalanches were reported. They were easily triggered on north and northeast aspects at treeline and into the alpine. 15-25 cm deep, and sliding on recently buried surface hoar.
In the Rossland area, explosives avalanche control produced several size 1-2 avalanches, 15-40 cm deep.
On Thursday, small, wet loose avalanches were reported primarily on steep south facing (sun affected slopes) at lower elevations with rising freezing levels and strong sunshine.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of new snow has buried a melt freeze crust or moist snow exists on all aspects except on north facing slopes at high elevations. On these high elevation, shaded, north facing slopes, you may find layers of old windslab, facets, or small surface hoar under the new snow. Moderate to strong southwest wind has formed deeper deposits of snow on leeward slopes.
The mid-pack is generally well-settled.
The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak facets near the ground. No recent avalanches have been reported on this layer. However, we continue to track the layer and watch for any signs of it becoming active again.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. Trace of snow expected. Possibly 5-10 in isolated areas. Kootenay Pass is currently forecasted to be the bullseye. Moderate south and southwest ridgetop wind. Generally light ridgetop wind, moderate west wind at higher elevations, becoming light by the morning. Freezing level near valley bottom. Treeline low around -10°C.
Sunday
Mostly sunny with localized cloudy areas. No new snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Freezing levels rise to 1300 m with treeline highs around -7°C.
Monday
Partly cloudy. 0-2 cm of snow expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing levels at valley bottom in the morning, rise to 1400 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 5-15 cm of snow expected overnight, but the Okanagan may stay dry. Variable light ridgetop wind. Freezing levels at valley bottom in the morning, rise to 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Saturday's storm brought 10-20 cm of new snow to most of the region.
Moderate south and southwest wind may have formed deeper, more reactive deposits of snow on leeward slopes.
Due to the recent warm and sunny weather, a crust formed on steep slopes facing the sun right up into the alpine. Avalanches are more likely on slopes where the new snow is sitting on top of this crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2023 4:00PM
