Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Grohman, Kokanee, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Norns, North Okanagan, Rossland, South Okanagan, Valhalla, Ymir.
Small wind slabs may be forming at upper elevations
Verify that conditions are safe before committing to steep slopes
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported, but observations have been limited.
Evidence of wet loose avalanches (size 1 to 2) are still visible across the region from the past weekend's warming.
Please share with the Mountain Information Network if you are going into the backcountry!
Snowpack Summary
Up to 15 cm of new snow may accumulate in the alpine overnight and through Sunday, falling as rain at lower elevations. It's a good idea to check the bond of the new snow to the underlying crust before committing to steep slopes. Otherwise, a typical spring diurnal cycle is underway. Warm temperatures and sun transform the snow surface during the day into moist or wet snow, while cooling at night generally forms a crust. Pockets of dry snow may still exist on high north-facing alpine slopes. Lower elevations are melting out rapidly.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with potential light rain to 5 mm below 2000 m. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature low -2 °C. Freezing level 2400 m, dropping to 1500 m
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud, with isolated flurries to 10 cm above 1600 m. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud, with isolated flurries to 5 cm above 1400 m. 25 to 35 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs may form on lee slopes during periods of snowfall on Sunday. Check how well the new snow is bonding to the underlying crust before entering comitting terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5