Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 5th, 2013–Apr 6th, 2013

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

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

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.

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.

Avalanche 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