Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2019 4:06PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

ldreier, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Snowfall amounts and timing of the approaching snowstorm are uncertain. As storm totals approach 10 cm moderate to strong southwest winds will likely create shallow wind slabs.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Clear with cloudy periods and flurries / moderate southwest wind / alpine low -4 C / freezing level 1400 mSATURDAY: Cloudy / up to 10 cm snow accumulation / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine high -4 C / freezing level 1700 mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with flurries / up to 10 cm snow accumulation Sunday night / moderate southwest wind / alpine high -6 C / freezing level 1500 mMONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / light southwest wind / alpine high -5 C / freezing level 1700 m

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, no new avalanche activity was observed. On Wednesday, only a few explosive triggered wind slab avalanches were reported.On Tuesday, a few human triggered wind/storm slabs up to size 1 were observed on sun affected slopes in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

The new snow likely falls on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the snow surface consists of dry snow. Last week's unsettled weather produced 10-35 cm of snow and is bonding well with the underlying layers.Snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong southwest winds might transport the new snow and create shallow wind slabs during the day. Older wind slabs can be found in alpine lee features and might still be sensitive to human triggers.

Use caution in lee areas and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2019 2:00PM