Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 31st, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
The avalanche danger will increase as the storm snow piles up. Stick to mellow terrain, and avoid travelling under large slopes, especially if you see signs of instability like shooting cracks or fresh avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, small, wet loose avalanches were reported primarily on steep south facing (sun affected slopes) at lower elevations with rising freezing levels and strong sunshine.
Expect natural and human triggered avalanches to be more likely as new storm snow piles up overnight on Friday, and through the day Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of new snow has likely buried a melt freeze crust or moist snow exists on all aspects except on north facing slopes at high elevations. On these high elevation, shaded, north facing slopes, you may find layers of old windslab, facets, or small surface hoar under the new snow. Moderate to strong southwest wind may be forming deeper deposits of snow on leeward slopes.
The mid-pack is generally well-settled.
The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak facets near the ground. No recent avalanches have been reported on this layer. However, we continue to track the layer and watch for any signs of it becoming active again.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy. 10 cm of snow expected. Moderate South ridgetop wind trending to strong at higher elevations. Freezing level 1000m.
Saturday
Cloudy with sunny periods possible in the afternoon. 5-10 cm of snow expected. Possibly 20 cm in the Kootenay Pass area. Moderate south and southwest ridgetop wind. Possibly strong winds at high elevations in the morning. Freezing level rises to 1300 m, alpine highs of -5 °C.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Freezing levels at valley bottom in the morning, rise to 1300 m with alpine highs of -7 °C.
Monday
Partly cloudy. 0-2 cm of snow expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing levels at valley bottom in the morning, rise to 1300 m with alpine highs of -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The current storm could result in up to 25 cm of new snow in some areas (It's possible that the southeast of the forecast area, from Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass gets hit the hardest). If you are seeing lower snowfall amounts in your area, you may see less storm slab avalanche activity.
Moderate south and southwest wind may be forming deeper, more reactive deposits of snow on leeward slopes.
Due to the recent warm and sunny weather, a crust formed on steep slopes facing the sun right up into the alpine. Avalanches are more likely on slopes where the new snow is sitting on top of this crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 1st, 2023 4:00PM
