Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2015 10:05AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Snowpack and avalanche observations are becoming scarce. If you've been in the backcountry, please tell us what you've seen via the Mountain Information Network. For more details, click here.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

On Saturday, expect light snowfall (up to 8cm). On Sunday, we should see a mix of sun and cloud. Light flurries are forecast for Monday. Ridgetop winds should be moderate from the southwest with Saturday's pulse, becoming light for the rest of the period. Daytime freezing levels should remain at about 1700m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported, although I'm sure there has been some smaller wind slab activity in higher elevation lee terrain in response to recent snow and wind.

Snowpack Summary

Generally light amounts (1-10cm) of new snow overlie a supportive melt-freeze crust. At higher elevations these accumulations have been blown around by variable winds and new wind slabs may exist on a variety of aspects. The mid-March crust/facet complex is buried around 50cm below the surface. This layer is generally considered dormant as long as cooler temperatures prevail. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Light snowfall and moderate southwest winds are forecast to form new wind slabs in exposed higher elevation terrain. Watch for triggering in the lee of ridge crests and in gullies.

Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below, but be careful with cornices!>Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Large cornices exist at ridge top, and may fall under the weight of a rider. As spring conditions evolve, remember that destructive cornice falls become more likely during periods of warming and solar radiation.

Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges. Remember that cornices become weak with daytime heating.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2015 2:00PM