Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2013 10:19AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Saturday: The second of three waves of precipitation is expected to make its way to the interior by early morning. Expect 10-15 cms of new snow to fall above 1700 metres elevation combined with moderate winds gusting to strong from the West. Alpine temperatures should drop to about -3.0 overnight and rise to -1.0 during the day.Sunday: Expect a slight cooling trend in the wake of the second wave. The third wave of precipitation should move into the interior by the afternoon, combined with light Southerly winds.Monday: Conditions should start to dry out in the wake of the third wave of precipitation.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. Expect loose wet snow releases from steep terrain at treeline and below.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is expected to bond well to the old moist or wet surfaces. Some new wind slabs may develop at higher elevations. Surface crusts may have developed before new snow started to fall, providing a sliding layer for the new snow.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet snow slides may release naturally from steep terrain at treeline and below. Wet slides in motion may gain a lot of mass as they scour isothermal snowpacks down to the ground.

Watch for wet loose or slab activity with forecast rain and/or warm temperatures.>Avoid travelling on slopes which are becoming wet due to rain, warm temperatures, or sun.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs may develop as cooling temperatures turn rain into snow at higher elevations. Wind transported snow may over load cornices which have become weak from rain and high freezing levels.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2013 2:00PM