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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 21st, 2022–Apr 22nd, 2022
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

We are getting back into a seasonal spring trend with cool nights, warm days, and highly variable snow conditions with elevation and aspect changes. Be on the lookout for signs that suggest unstable snow.

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Snowfall then clearing, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 10 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -5 C.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 10 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

SATURDAY: Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 10 km/h north wind, alpine temperature 2 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2300 m.

SUNDAY: Clear skies with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature 2 C, freezing level 2300 m.  

Avalanche Summary

Wet loose avalanches were observed around Kootenay Pass on Wednesday, releasing above 1800 m within the recent snow.

Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.

Snowpack Summary

Shaded aspects at treeline and alpine elevations have around 15 to 30 cm of snow from Tuesday and on, with locally thicker amounts in lee terrain features from southwest wind. Sun-exposed slopes and below treeline elevations consist of a bit of recent snow over a melt-freeze crust that may moisten during daytime warming. Remember that cornices are large and looming at this time of year.

The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found in lee terrain features below ridges. Small storm slabs could also be found in areas sheltered from the wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are large and looming at this time of year. Any cornice release could be catastrophic. 

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Loose Wet

Use caution on sun-exposed slopes when the sun is shining. Relatively warm air and sun can pack a punch, causing loose wet avalanches that may entrain recent snow and travel far.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2