Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kootenay Boundary.
Keep an eye on the snow surface, as it gets moist with warming and solar input the size and likelihood of avalanches will increase.
Confidence
High - We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday night: No new snow expected. Light west winds and freezing levels falling to to 1100 m.
Thursday: Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Light to moderate southwest winds and freezing levels rising to 2300 m.
Friday: Stormy with up to 10 cm of new snow at higher elevations and rain below. Moderate to strong southwest winds and freezing levels around 2000 m.
Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with light flurries bringing trace amounts of snow. Light westerly winds and freezing levels around 1400 m.
Avalanche Summary
Over the past few days storm and wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5 were triggered on all aspects at treeline. Triggers included ski cuts, vehicle and skier remotes and explosives. Several small natural cornice falls were also observed.
We suspect that wind slabs could continue to be triggered by riders at higher elevations on north and east aspects. On all other elevations and aspects wet slab avalanches will increase in likelihood and size due to warming and solar input.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow has formed slabs at treeline and above. Below this new snow a crust exists on all aspects and elevations. Moist snow will be observed on all aspects and elevations as the freezing level rises and the sun comes out.
Multiple crusts exist in the upper snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled.
Terrain and Travel
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wet Slabs
Wet slab and wet loose avalanches will likely increase in size and sensitivity to triggering as the freezing level rises and the sun comes out. The underlying crust will make a good sliding surface and may result in greater propagation.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs will likely be found near ridge crests on north and east aspects. Wind slabs may be sensitive to rider traffic due to an underlying crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2