Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Cariboos, Clearwater, Grohman, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Norns, North Okanagan, Quesnel, Rossland, Shuswap, South Okanagan, Ymir.
Expect spring conditions at elevations up to around treeline,and solar aspects well into the alpine. Warm temperatures melt the strength right out of the snowpack so avoid avalanche terrain in these areas when it's hot and sunny, late in the day, or if there isn't an overnight freeze. The highest peaks may receive enough snow to create new storm slab or wind slab problems.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
The latest avalanche observations are summarized in this MIN near Nelson. We haven't received other reports of avalanche activity.
Snowpack Summary
Generally, spring is advancing and the winter snowpack is melting away, at least at lower elevations.
Dry, powder snow may remain at the highest elevations on north-facing terrain, along with the potential for fresh wind and storm slabs. While melt-freeze crusts or moist snow are likely to be found on steep solar slopes and at lower elevations.
Avalanche danger will be closely coupled to daytime warming and melting. The more the crust weakens, and the deeper the wetness goes, the greater the hazard from wet loose avalanches.
The mid- and lower-snowpack is generally well-settled. In some areas, the lower snowpack may have a layer of weak facets near the ground.
Weather Summary
Saturday Overnight
Cloudy with flurries but only a trace of new snow. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around freezing. Freezing level around 1500 to 1900 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with snow. Accumulations by the end of the day around 5 cm but as much as 10 cm at high elevations in deep snow areas. Moderate southwest winds. Treeline temperatures around zero and freezing level around 2200 m.
Monday
Warm overnight temperatures with freezing level only dropping to 1500m. Overnight, at high elevations, another 5 cm (maybe as much as 10 cm) of snow by Monday morning and a trace to 5 cm during the day. Wind diminishing to light. Treeline temperatures around -3 and freezing level around 2000 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Nil precipitation. Wind light southwest. Around zero at treeline with freezing level around 2300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Rain or periods of intense solar radiation can rapidly enhance the effects of warming.
- The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Expect spring conditions at elevations up to around treeline, and solar aspects well into the alpine. Temperatures are rising which over time melts the strength out of the snow; avoid avalanche terrain if the sun pops out, during periods of heavy snow or rain, or if you observe (recent) avalanche activity.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Expect wind slabs to be most reactive in higher elevation areas that received more recent snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2