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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 4th, 2021–Apr 5th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kootenay Boundary.

Assess for slab properties and the bond of the recent snow at high elevations. The danger is likely LOW for parts of the region that received less than 10 cm of snow.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, 20 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -6 C.

MONDAY: Clear skies, 10 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

TUESDAY: Clear skies, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature 1 C, freezing level 2300 m.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 30 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Saturday. Small storm and wind slab avalanches were likely triggerable on Sunday where at least 10 cm of snow accumulated. Looking forward to Monday, wind slabs may linger and the new snow may weaken during the heat of the day. Resulting loose wet avalanches are anticipated to be small given the relatively small amount of snow accumulation.

Snowpack Summary

Anywhere from 0 to 15 cm of snow accumulated across the region on Sunday above about 1800 m, with the most around Kootenay Pass. The snow fell with southwest wind, likely forming new wind slabs where sufficient snow fell. The snow fell onto a hard melt-freeze crust everywhere except above 2000 m on northerly aspects, where it fell onto previously dry snow. Clear skies and warm air will likely weaken this new snow on Monday, particularly on sun-exposed slopes.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.