Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kootenay Boundary.
High freezing levels means the snowpack may not re-freeze on Monday night. If the snowpack is feeling slushy or you sink in deeply when on foot, its time to back off into low angle terrain without overhead hazard.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy / Moderate to strong, southwesterly winds / Alpine low 2 C / Freezing level 2500 m.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with isolated rain showers; 2-5 mm / Moderate, southwesterly winds / Alpine high 7 C / Freezing level 2500 m.
WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high 7 C / Freezing level 2400 m.
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny / Light, southwesterly winds / Alpine high 7 C / Freezing level 2500 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Sunday. However, there are currently very few professional observers submitting daily observations. Please submit your observations to the MIN. Photos of avalanches or current conditions are particularly useful.
On Saturday, natural and skier triggered loose wet avalanches to size 1.5 were reported on all aspects at treeline and above.
Snowpack Summary
Rain to mountain-tops Thursday night soaked 20-40 cm of recent snow and initiated a loose wet avalanche cycle at treeline and above on Friday. Below treeline, the snow is isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack) and disappearing rapidly.
As temperatures cool, we will enter a diurnal cycle during which the hazard will be low in the mornings, if there was a strong overnight freeze, and elevate throughout the day depending on warming and solar radiation. Hazard ratings are for the peak hazard expected during each day.
Avalanche Problems
Wet Slabs
If temperatures remain warm, wet slabs releasing on crust layers are still possible.
- Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation/aspect.
- If the snow is wet, mushy, or feeling bottomless, its time to go home.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
If temperatures remain warm, loose wet avalanches are still possible on cloudy days due to the ‘green-house’ effect.
- Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5