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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 17th, 2021–Apr 18th, 2021
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Start (and finish) your day early and avoid exposure to sun-exposed avalanche terrain. Look for high elevation north facing objectives without cornices overhead, and plan your egress route carefully.

Check out the Forecaster's Blog for more on managing spring conditions.

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

Saturday night - Clear / light wind / alpine low temperature near +5 / freezing level 3000 m 

Sunday - Sunny in the morning with increasing cloud throughout the day / moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near +5 / freezing level falling to 2000 m in the afternoon

Monday - Sunny / light wind / alpine high temperature near -1 / freezing level 2100 m

Tuesday - Sunny / light wind / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 2300 m

Avalanche Summary

There have been several recent reports of wet loose avalanches up to size 2 on south aspects.

Looking forward, wet loose avalanches are expected on solar aspects with sunny weather and high freezing levels. Cornice failures will also become more likely. Wind slabs may still be possible to trigger in on north aspects in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

High overnight freezing levels mean that the snow surface remains moist or wet in many areas. In places where the surface forms a crust overnight, it should quickly soften during they day with sunshine and warm temperatures. Dry snow may still be found on high elevation north aspects. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.

Terrain and Travel

  • The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
  • Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Surface snow will lose cohesion and become unstable with sun and warm temperatures. 

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are at their largest at this time of year, and become weaker with warm temperatures and solar radiation.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5