Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 3rd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
The danger ratings below represent areas that see cloudy skies, and little to no new snow on Tuesday. Dynamic spring weather could bring you intense sun or snowfall, either of which would increase the avalanche danger.
Observe your local conditions and let that inform your terrain choices.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported before 4pm on Monday.
On Sunday, in the Kootenay Pass area, riders were causing very small, loose dry avalanches in steep terrain, and small (size 1-1.5) storm slab avalanches in a few lee features.
This Mountain Information Network (MIN) post describes a skier triggered avalanche just north of the forecast area.
Snowpack Summary
15-30 cm of soft snow is settling over a widespread, thin crust except north facing slopes at treeline and above, where it sits on old, faceted surfaces, and surface hoar in some areas.
The mid-pack is generally well-settled.
In some areas, the lower snowpack includes a layer of weak facets near the ground. No recent avalanches have been reported on this layer. However, we continue to track the layer and watch for any signs of it becoming active again.
Weather Summary
A generally convective weather pattern will mean that on Tuesday we'll see spotty areas of cloud and light snowfall, or quick bursts of intense snowfall, but it also might be sunny, and everything could change at the drop of a hat.
Most notably, the eastern edge of the South Selkirks (East of Nelson and Salmo), have the highest potential for sustained convective snowfall Monday night/Tuesday, and could see up to 20 cm of new snow.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, but clearing through the night. Possible trace of snow expected. Light northeast ridgetop wind. Freezing levels fall to valley bottom. Treeline low around -7°C.
Tuesday
Sunny early morning, quickly becoming cloudy. Snowfall uncertain, up to 20 cm in isolated areas, see note above. Variable light ridgetop wind. Freezing levels rise to 1300 m.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Light southwest wind. Freezing levels at valley bottom in the morning, rise to 1600 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Moderate south and southwest wind, trending to strong at higher elevations. Freezing levels at valley bottom in the morning, rise to 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
- Pay attention to isolated alpine features as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The weekend storm brought 15-30 cm of new snow to most of the region.
Most notably, the eastern edge of the South Selkirks (East of Nelson and Salmo), have the highest potential for sustained convective snowfall Monday night/Tuesday, and could see up to 20 cm of new snow, and higher avalanche danger.
Recent moderate south through west wind may have formed deeper, more reactive deposits of snow on leeward slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 4th, 2023 4:00PM
