Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2017 3:00PM

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

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

The new snow following the storm will be touchy on steep slopes, especially where it has been blown into pillows by the wind.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Friday: Some lingering flurries possible, otherwise cloudy. Winds 20-30 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level around 1600 m. Saturday: Mostly cloudy with some sunny breaks. Winds 10-20 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level around 1600 m. Sunday: Bright and sunny. Calm winds. Starting cool but freezing level rising to 2000 m during the day.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous naturally triggered loose wet avalanches to size 1.5 were reported in this region on Tuesday. It's highly likely we'll see some natural avalanche activity in steep terrain from the storm on Thursday, although I expect the size of avalanches to generally remain small.

Snowpack Summary

New snow and shifting wind directions have created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects at Treeline and above. The new snow will be prone to sliding in steep terrain where it is sitting on a crust. Cornices are large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting wind directions have created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2017 2:00PM