Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, Ymir.
Surface instabilities and deeper weak layers may remain reactive to riders.
Choose low-consequence terrain and watch for signs of instability.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Small storm slabs and loose dry avalanches (size 1) were easily triggered by riders on steep, sheltered treeline terrain features on Monday.
No recent natural avalanche was reported, except evidence from last weekend's past cycle.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
30 to 50 cm of settling snow can be found in sheltered areas. Previous moderate southwest wind has redistributed this snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations.
Below this recent snow, a thin crust is present below approximately 1600 m.
Weak layers of surface hoar or facets and a crust may persist in the mid-snowpack. Professionals are still concerned about its potential instability.
The lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy, with isolated flurries. 10 to 20 km/h souhtwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h souhtwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy, with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Buried weak layers of surface hoar and facets on a crust are now buried 70 to 120 cm deep. Increased load from new snow may make these layers more reactive. Be especially cautious on steep, open slopes at treeline and below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Storm Slabs
Continued snowfall and wind have formed storm slabs in lee and cross-loaded areas. Human triggering is possible near ridge crests, rollovers, and steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5