Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 24th, 2015 8:41AM

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

Peter, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

The snow surface should freeze overnight tonight at all elevations, resulting in lower danger early in the day on Wednesday.

Summary

Confidence

Fair

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny breaks. The freezing level is near 1800 m and winds are light to moderate from the SW. Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level rockets up to 2500 or even 3000 m. Winds are light from the SW. Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. Remains warm with freezing levels near 3000 m. Winds remain light or moderate from the SW.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday and Monday a few size 1-2 storm slabs were reported from the northern part of the region. These were all from NW-NE aspects between around 2000 and 2300 m. One slide on Sunday was reported as a size 2.5 that may have been triggered by a cornice fall and appeared to release on the mid March crust.

Snowpack Summary

In the past 3 days many areas received up to 20 cm of new snow above 1600 m. Fluctuating temperatures have resulted in variable snow surfaces (dry, moist, crusty) depending on aspect and elevation. Moderate W-SW winds have formed fresh wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain at and above treeline. The mid March crust layer is now down 40-60cm. Recent reports suggest that the overlying snow is bonding well to the crust. At many elevations, melt-freeze cycles continue with a weak surface crust forming overnight and then breaking down during the afternoon.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Sunshine and daytime warming could weaken fresh wind slabs that have formed in lee and cross-loaded terrain.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Loose wet slides are likely on steep sun-exposed slopes during the day.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 25th, 2015 2:00PM