Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2013 10:14AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Due to a lack of information sources at this time of year, this forecast is based primarily on weather data. If you have been traveling in the backcountry recently, send us your observations. Email us at forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Sunday and Monday: An upper trough of low pressure brings unsettled weather. Isolated showers and broken skies are expected. Winds light to moderate from the northwest and freezing levels 500-1000m.Tuesday: An Upper ridge of high pressure builds bringing generally dry conditions. Freezing level 1200-1500m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports indicate explosives triggered avalanches running to size 2.5 in the most recent snow on southerly aspects at treeline and above. Pockets of wind slab may be triggered by skiers or riders at higher elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25cm of new snow has fallen in the past 24 hours above 1400m. Recent moderate to strong winds may have created wind slabs in alpine leeward slopes. Cooler temperatures may have may have frozen the wet and isothermic snow surface into a crust at lower elevations. Expect these crusts to break down quickly as temperatures rise during the day.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2013 2:00PM