Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2013 10:24AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Due to a lack of information sources at this time of year, this forecast is based primarily on weather data. If you have been traveling in the backcountry recently, send us your observations. Email us at forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Thursday: A lull between weather systems will bring mostly overcast skies with some sunny breaks. Some light precipitation is possible. Freezing level 1000m and light to moderate west winds.Friday: Another frontal system affects the southern interior late in the day bringing light to moderate precipitation. Freezing level 1000m and strong southwest winds.Saturday: Freezing levels drop with the passage of a cold front. Light to moderate precipitation possible.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. Expect loose wet snow releases from steep terrain at treeline and below. Pockets of wind slab may be triggered by skiers or riders at higher elevations.

Snowpack Summary

40-60cm of new snow has fallen at 1700m elevation and above in last 4 days. This new snow sits on a crust at upper elevations. The snowpack continues to be moist below this crust. Recent moderate to strong winds have created wind slabs in alpine leeward slopes. At lower elevations the snowpack is wet and isothermic.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Wet

Loose wet snow slides may release naturally from steep terrain at treeline and below. Wet slides in motion may gain a lot of mass as they scour isothermal snowpacks down to the ground.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2013 2:00PM