Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Kootenay Boundary.

Expect firm conditions in the morning, softening with sun and warm temperatures throughout the day.

Wet avalanches become more likely on south facing slopes as the surface crust breaks down, and snow becomes wet and heavy. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear, light westerly winds. Freezing levels drop to valley bottom. 

FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light southwest winds. Freezing levels reach 1800 m. Alpine highs of +3. 

SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Moderate westerly winds. Flurries bring 5-10 cm. Freezing levels reach 1700 m. Alpine high of +1. 

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Freezing levels reach 1600 m. Alpine high of 0. Moderate to strong southwest winds. 

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday. 

On Tuesday, natural avalanche activity was observed on all aspects to size 3. A size 2 wet slab avalanche was rider triggered on a south facing treeline slope, failing on the crust buried in early March.

Avalanche activity is expected to decrease with cooler temperatures this week. 

Snowpack Summary

Small pockets of wind loading may sit on north and east facing slopes at higher elevations. The upper snowpack is going through a daily melt-freeze cycle. A crust exists on all aspects to around 2500 m. Warm temperatures and sun may soften or break down the crust during the day and create moist snow. At very low elevations, the snowpack may be wet and isothermal, depending on overnight freezing levels. 

At 40 to 70 cm below the snow surface a sun crust exists on solar aspects, and weak surface hoar crystals sit on shaded aspects from early March. Reports suggest this layer is bonding well. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled.

Terrain and Travel

  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and sun throughout the day may soften the surface crust and weaken the upper snowpack. 

Pay close attention to how thick and supportive the surface crust is throughout the day. Minimize your exposure to slopes with wet and heavy snow. 

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2022 4:00PM

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