Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 28th, 2019–Mar 29th, 2019

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

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

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 avalanche danger trends upward with the appearance of the sun and afternoon warming. Danger is rated for the warmest part of the day.

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy, light easterly wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1700 mFRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northerly wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 2100 mSATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light westerly wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 2200 mSUNDAY: Mainly cloudy, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 2100 m

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday and Wednesday there were reports of skier triggered thin wind slabs to size 1.5. On Wednesday loose wet avalanches to size 1 were observed in the afternoon on solar aspects.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations, up to 15 cm of recent new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust or moist snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly winds which may have formed isolated thin wind slabs. At lower elevations, expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze. This crust sits above a largely moist or wet snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Expect to see crusts that formed from overnight cooling break down quickly if the sun comes out and the surface snow sluff in steep terrain.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.Minimize exposure when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

Recent 5-10 cm of new snow combined with moderate to strong southwest winds has created thin wind slabs in the lee of terrain features which might still be triggered by skiers.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5