Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack. Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Friday Night: Snow, accumulation 10-15 cm with Kootenay Pass receiving 20-25 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine high -4 C, freezing level 1000 m.

Saturday: Cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation up to 5 cm, light to moderate northerly wind, alpine high -4 C, freezing level 1100 m.

Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate to strong northwest wind, alpine high -10 C, freezing level 800 m.

Monday: Mostly sunny, light to moderate northerly wind, alpine high -5 C, freezing level 900 m.

On Thursday a few large (size 2-2.5) slab avalanches released naturally during the night. One large (size 3) slab avalanche was triggered by explosives in the west of the region. Several small (size 1-1.5) slab avalanches were triggered by skiers mainly on south and east aspects. 

On Wednesday several small (size 1) slab avalanches in the alpine were triggered by skiers. Several small (size 1) natural and skier triggered loose dry avalanches were reported in steep terrain at treeline and in the alpine. 

Wind switching directions has redistributed recent new snow onto a variety of aspects. The snow surface varies from low density in wind sheltered areas to wind slab at all elevations. Specific terrain features at treeline and in the alpine are scoured to a crust from early February. As high as 2000 m, the upper snowpack contains a crust from recent warming and rain events. Generally the recent storm snow seems to bond well with the crust below. Several avalanches were observed to release within the recent storm snow. However, some avalanches slid on the crust below. 

Weak facet/crust layers near the base of the snowpack are particularly noteworthy in the western Boundary area.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.