Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 15th, 2023 4:00PM

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

jminifie, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary, Moyie, Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, South Okanagan, Ymir.

The weather is providing great travel conditions but remain cautious around older wind slabs that could be sitting on weaker snow. Also pay attention to how the sun might be affecting south aspects at lower elevations.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in this region since the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions are variable and include sun crusts, wind-affected snow, and in some places up to 10 cm of snow above surface hoar. Sheltered areas have 20 to 40 cm of soft snow from last week. This snow sits above a layer of surface hoar or decomposing crusts, that could develop into a problem when buried more deeply. The lower snowpack contains weak and faceted grains, but these layers have not recently produced avalanches.

Weather Summary

Wednesday night

Mostly clear. Winds from the south 10 km/h. Alpine temperature -10ËšC.

Thursday

Clear but increasing cloudiness throughout the day. Flurries possible late in the day. Wind from the south at 10 km/h gusting to 20 km/h. Temperature rising from -10ËšC to -2ËšC as the day progresses.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. Flurries delivering 2 -4 cm of snow. Wind from the southwest 10 km/h. Temperature -4ËšC.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy. Potential for short flurries. Wind 5-10 km/h from the south. Temperature -6ËšC to -2ËšC.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs vary in age across the region but can be sitting on weaker crystals so triggering is still possible. Tread with caution on stiff, drum-like snow as firm wind slabs can be unpredictable.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 16th, 2023 4:00PM