Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Moyie, Norns, Rossland, South Okanagan, Ymir.
The sun will be out and the freezing level is forecast to be higher than it has been in the past few days. As a result there may be an increase in wet loose avalanche activity on steep terrain facing the sun.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday there were several reports of loose wet avalanches running to size 1.5 in steep terrain facing the sun.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow accumulated over the last week overlies a crust on all terrain except north-facing slopes treeline and above. On these high northerly slopes, new snow may overlie facets and surface hoar to mountain tops.
The mid-pack is generally well-settled.
The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary facets near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and 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.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mainly clear. Light east wind. High of -7 °C at treeline. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. Light northeast wind. High of 2 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 2000m.
Thursday
Cloudy with sunny breaks. Light northeast wind. High of 1 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 1900m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Light southwest wind. High of -3 °C at treeline. Freezing level 1500m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
The sun may be out for extended periods so expect to see an increase in thin loose wet avalanche activity on steep terrain facing the sun.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2