Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Crawford, Grohman, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Moyie, Norns, Rossland, Ymir.
Continue to choose simple, mellow terrain. Signs of buried weak layers may be hard to find.
Be especially cautious on high north-facing slopes, and steep slopes in the sun.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, mostly small, rider triggered dry and wet loose avalanches were reported in steep terrain.
Looking forward: Avalanches on buried weak layers may be difficult to trigger, but if one is triggered, it is likely to be large and destructive.
Snowpack Summary
The upper snowpack is currently quite variable on different aspects, and across the forecast area. 5 to 15 cm of new snow is settling over a widespread melt-freeze crust that exists everywhere but some high north-facing slopes. This crust has been reported to be generally supportive to skis, and anywhere from a couple cm to 20 cm thick. In some places, there is even a thin, breakable crust on shaded alpine slopes.
Two concerning weak layers are present in the mid snowpack: facets/surface hoar or a crust from mid-February buried 30-70 cm, and faceted snow/surface hoar/crust from late January buried 60-100 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Clear. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to 1200 m. Treeline low -7 °C.
Friday
Sunny. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind in the afternoon. Freezing level rising to 1900 m. Treeline high 0 °C
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to valley bottom overnight, rising to 1700 m through the day.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. 25 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to 750 m overnight, rising to 1700 m through the day.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers exist 40 to 100 cm deep. These layers remain a concern where there is no thick, supportive crust under the recent snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches will become possible in steep terrain if the sun is out for prolonged periods. Avoid overhead hazard from sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2