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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 23rd, 2022–Apr 24th, 2022
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Check for good overnight re-freeze and make sure to be off slopes before they turn mushy or wet.

Confidence

High - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clear, 10 km/h west wind, ridgetop low temperature -3 C, freezing level falling below 1600 m, possible inversion.

SUNDAY: Mostly sunny, 10-20 km/h southwest wind gusting to 30 km/h, ridgetop high temperature +8 C, freezing level rising to 2500 m.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, accumulation trace to 5 cm, 20-40 km/h southwest wind, ridgetop high temperature +4 C, poor overnight re-freeze with freezing level hovering around 2300 m.

TUESDAY: Wet flurries, 10 cm. Light west wind, ridgetop high temperature +4 C, daytime freezing level rising above 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small (size 1) wet loose avalanches were observed around Kootenay Pass on Friday.

Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.

Snowpack Summary

Sun and warm temperatures have moistened the snow on most surfaces. The snowpack has transitioned to spring-time conditions, with moist snow and crusts on most slopes, and isolated and lingering winter-ish conditions at the highest shaded elevations. Overall the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts. At ridge top, remember that cornices are large and looming.

Keep in mind that any snowpack can quickly loose strength when heat penetrates to deeper layers for the first time. Check for good overnight recovery - avoid slopes that do not get an overnight re-freeze. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Use caution on sun-exposed slopes when the sun is shining. Relatively warm air and sun can pack a punch, causing loose wet avalanches that may entrain recent snow and travel far.

Keep in mind that any snowpack can quickly loose strength when heat penetrates to deeper layers for the first time. Check for good overnight recovery - avoid slopes that do not get an overnight re-freeze. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2