Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2016 8:25AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Spring Conditions. If the sun comes out, the strong solar radiation will heat up the snowpack rapidly and avalanche danger will increase. New wind slabs may not be well bonded to the old surface crust.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mostly cloudy overnight with light to moderate northerly winds developing and freezing levels down close to 1000 metres by morning. Cloudy on Thursday with periods of light snow and freezing levels climbing to 2000 metres. Overcast with convective flurries on Friday combined with light southerly winds. Freezing levels starting out near 1500 metres and rising up to at least 2000 metres. Not much of a re-freeze expected for Saturday morning, mostly sunny with freezing levels climbing to at least 2500 metres.Â

Avalanche Summary

One report of a natural cornice fall size 2.0 on a northeast aspect at 2200 metres on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast new snow, wind, and cooler temperatures will bring back winter to higher elevations for a day or two. Expect the old surface to re-freeze overnight and some new wind slabs may form in the lee of southwest winds. These new wind slabs may not bond well to the old hard surface. Surface crusts may break down rapidly if the sun comes out, especially on steep slopes with direct sun exposure.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanche activity is expected to increase with exposure to strong solar radiation and climbing freezing levels.

Look for signs of surface instabilities such as pinwheeling and point releasing near cliffs. >Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

If the sun comes out, it wont take long for solar aspects to heat up and result in natural cornice falls.

Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on ridges. >Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes. >Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices. >

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Thin new wind slabs may be easy to trigger when they are exposed to strong solar radiation. Wind slabs may not be well bonded to the old surface crust.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2016 2:00PM