Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 15th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.

jpercival, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary, Crawford, Moyie, St. Mary, Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, South Okanagan, Ymir.

Utilize small-scale features to assess how the new snow is bonding, before progressing to larger terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, near Nelson and east of Kelowna, numerous large (size 2) wind slab avalanches had been initiated utilizing explosives. Near the Nelson area, a large (size 2) skier-triggered avalanche on a southwest aspect occurred following a period of moderate north east winds.

A few wet loose avalanches were reported on Tuesday from slopes facing the sun.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of recent snow combined with winds from all directions has transported this snow and formed wind slabs that have been reactive to skier triggering. 10 to 20 cm of recent storm snow sits on a layer of small surface hoar which may lurk in sheltered areas. In some places, the new snow and surface hoar sits on a thin sun crust.

A thick rain crust from early February is now buried 30 to 40 cm deep and seems well-bonded at lower elevations.

Crusts and facets in the mid and lower snowpack can still be found in isolated pockets.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

Friday

Mostly clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Saturday

Mostly clear skies. 20 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C.

Sunday

Clear skies becoming cloudy in the afternoon. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Investigate the bond of the recent snow
Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.

Problems

Storm Slabs

May be more reactive on solar aspects where the new snow sits on a thin sun crust or in lee areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Expect newly formed windslab avalanches to be found just below ridge top and at the bottom of steep features.