Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kootenay Boundary.
Rain soaked wet slabs releasing on hard crusts remain possible until temperatures cool.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Clear / Light, northerly winds / Alpine low -1 C / Freezing level 2100 m.
SUNDAY: Sunny / Light, northwesterly winds / Alpine high 7 C / Freezing level 2500 m.
MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, southwesterly winds / Alpine high 7 C / Freezing level 2500 m.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with alpine flurries; 2-5 mm. / Moderate, southwesterly winds / Alpine high 4 C / Freezing level 2400 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Friday. However, it is likely that numerous natural loose wet avalanches occurred during the storm on Friday at treeline and above.
On Tuesday, a party skiing near Kootenay Pass reported "whumphing" on solar aspects near ridgetops and triggered a size 2 storm slab avalanche sitting on a crust on a north aspect at around 2000 m. See the MIN report HERE.
Snowpack Summary
Rain to mountain-tops Thursday night has soaked 20-40 cm of recent snow and initiated a loose wet avalanche cycle at treeline and above.
Below treeline, the snow is disappearing rapidly.
Avalanche Problems
Wet Slabs
If temperatures remain warm, wet slabs releasing on crust layers are still possible.
- Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation/aspect.
- If the snow is wet, mushy, or feeling bottomless, its time to go home.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
If temperatures remain warm, loose wet avalanches are still possible with strong solar radiation.
- Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5