Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 14th, 2017–Apr 15th, 2017

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

The new snow following the storm will be touchy on steep slopes, especially where it sits on a firm crust.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

The clouds will clear out Saturday afternoon, giving way to pleasant weather on Easter Sunday. Back to moist spring weather on Monday afternoon/evening.SATURDAY: Isolated flurries (3-5cm possible) and occasional sunny breaks. Freezing level around 1600 m. Winds light-moderate westerly.SUNDAY: Clearing with some good sunshine. Freezing level rising to 2100 m in the afternoon. Winds light southerly. MONDAY: Snow late in the day (5-10cm) above 1900m. Winds 10-25 km/h from the south.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, we had reports of touchy conditions in the Rossland Range with upwards of 35cm of new snow falling at treeline and above, running easily on a temperature crust. Several loose wet avalanches to Size 2 were reported near Kootenay Pass, running on all aspects between 1800m and 2100m elevation.

Snowpack Summary

This region experienced a wide variation in snowfall amounts on Thursday - most areas saw 5-10 cm of wet heavy snow above 1600m; however, the Rossland Range was the 'bulls eye' for enhanced convective snowfall and received upwards of 35cm!The snow and shifting wind directions created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects at Treeline and above. The new snow will be prone to sliding in steep terrain where it is sitting on a crust. Cornices are large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting wind directions have created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2