Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 11th, 2018 4:47PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

swerner, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Storm slabs may be more reactive on leeward slopes where wind effect exists. Consider the danger rating in the alpine to be MODERATE if you do not receive 15 cm of new snow overnight.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

New snow 10-15 cm expected overnight Wednesday with light-moderate easterly winds. Thursday: New snow 5-10 cm with moderate-strong West wind and freezing levels 1600 m. Friday: New snow 5-10 cm with strong southwest winds and freezing levels 1600 m.Saturday: Snow 15-25 cm with mostly light yet strong and gusty winds at times. Freezing levels 1800 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, reports indicated loose wet avalanche activity from steep slopes and terrain features at treeline. No new avalanche observations reported on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of new snow is sitting on previous moist snow surfaces. Recent winds from the southeast and southwest have sifted the new snow, forming isolated wind slabs in leeward terrain features and slopes. With freezing levels rising, surface snow will likely become moist through the day. Up to 40 cm of snow that fell last weekend overlies melt-freeze crusts that formed over the past few weeks.The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Building storm slabs will likely be reactive to human triggers, especially as the snow totals accumulate through the forecast period. Isolated pockets of wind slab may exist behind ridgelines.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or moist/ wet surface snow.Observe for the bond of new snow with the old surface before committing into avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Be cautious if you find moist or wet snow. Watch out in steep and gullied terrain, where even small avalanches can have severe consequences.

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm or the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 12th, 2018 2:00PM