Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Bonnington, Crawford, Crowsnest South, Flathead, Grohman, Kokanee, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, Moyie, Norns, Rossland, St. Mary, Ymir.
If there is a thick surface crust, avalanches are unlikely. Storm slabs may still be rider-triggered on high, shaded aspects.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, there were two large wet loose avalanches (size 3) north of Kaslo on a west aspect in the alpine and at treeline. As well as several small wet loose avalanches.
On Wednesday, a few large storm slabs were reported near Fernie (size 1.5 and 2).
Avalanche activity is expected to subside on Friday as temperatures cool off.
Snowpack Summary
A surface crust is expected to form Thursday night. The thicker it is, the less likely avalanches are. Alpine slopes that didn't see the sun may not have a crust and still hold around 20 cm of soft snow from earlier in the week. Low elevations are melting out and becoming wet. There are layers of weak crystals buried in January, February, and March that can be found in the mid and lower snowpack, but there hasn't been recent avalanche activity on these layers.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with 1 to 2 mm of rain. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level falling to 2000 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
In areas where there is no surface crust, riders may still trigger storm slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Investigate the surface crust that forms overnight. If it supports your weight, avalanche activity is unlikely. As it melts, wet loose avalanches may occur.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5