Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 2nd, 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
Observe your local conditions and let that inform your terrain choices. Dynamic spring weather dropped variable amounts of snow around the region.
Watch for signs of slab instability like shooting cracks or fresh avalanches, and use extra caution around slopes that are being warmed by the sun.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, in the Kootenay Pass area, riders were causing very small, loose dry avalanches in steep terrain, and small (size 1-1.5) storm slab avalanches in a few lee features.
On Saturday, North and South of Nelson, numerous small (size 1-1.5), and a few large (size 2) natural and rider triggered avalanches were reported. They were easily triggered on north and northeast aspects at treeline and into the alpine.
Many reports mentioned that the storm snow was touchy, propagated easily, and had the potential for remote and sympathetic avalanches.
In the Rossland area, explosives avalanche control produced several size 1-2 avalanches, 15-40 cm deep.
Snowpack Summary
15-30 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. Recent 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
A generally convective weather pattern will mean that the next few days will have spotty areas of cloud and light snowfall, or quick bursts of intense snowfall, but it also might be sunny, and everything could change at the drop of a hat.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear. No new snow expected. very light variable ridgetop winds. Freezing levels fall to valley bottom. Treeline low around -8°C.
Monday
Sunny morning, clouding over by the afternoon. 0-2 cm of snow expected. Up to 5 cm in isolated areas. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing levels rise to 1400 m. Treeline high around -6°C.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy. Possible trace of snow expected. Variable light ridgetop wind, picking up in the late afternoon. Freezing levels at valley bottom in the morning, rise to 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. Possible trace of snow expected. Light southwest wind, trending to moderate at higher elevations. 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
The weekend storm brought 15-30 cm of new snow to most of the region.
Recent moderate south and southwest wind may have formed deeper, more reactive deposits of snow on leeward slopes.
Cold nights following warm and sunny daytime weather last week formed a crust on steep slopes facing the sun right up into the alpine. Avalanches are more likely on slopes where the storm snow is sitting on top of this crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2023 4:00PM
