Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2017 4:36PM

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

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Cold north winds have been blowing. Watch for fresh wind slabs, particularly on southerly aspects.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Dry with clearing skies. Winds northeasterly 20-30 km/h at ridgetop. Ridgetop temperatures around -13C. TUESDAY: Dry and sunny. Winds northeasterly 10-15 km/h. Temperatures around -18C. WEDNESDAY: Dry and sunny. Winds northeasterly 30-50 km/h. Temperatures around -18C.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches reported in the last 48 hours.

Snowpack Summary

This region saw 30-60 cm new snow during last week's storms. The new snow sits over a weak layer buried on Boxing day that was initially reactive but now appears to have gained strength. Recent winds switched from mainly southwesterly to northerly, "reverse loading" areas that were previously scoured. Slightly lower in the snowpack is an interface buried mid-December, now down 40-100 cm. This layer appears to be well bonded in many parts of the region but was reactive for a while last week west of Trail and Castlegar where preserved surface hoar was thought to be responsible for four small (but surprising) skier trigger avalanches. It will be important to continue to monitor this layer for further signs of reactivity.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs are forming on mainly southwest to east aspects behind exposed terrain features. Slabs found on south aspect slopes could become more unstable when the sun is out.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Use safe ski cutting techniques before entering steep lines.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2017 2:00PM