Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 23rd, 2015 8:21AM

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

Peter, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

We could more snow in convective flurries on Tuesday, leading to variable snow accumulations.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Mainly cloudy with occasional snow flurries (around 5 cm). The freezing level is around 1500-1600 m. Winds are light from the W-NW. Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny breaks. The freezing level is near 1800 m and winds are light to moderate from the SW. Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level rockets up to around 3000 m and winds are light from the SW.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday several size 1-2 storm slabs were reported from the northern part of the region. These were all from NW-NE aspects between around 2000 and 2300 m. One slide was reported as a size 2.5 that may have been triggered by a cornice fall and may have released on the mid March crust.

Snowpack Summary

Most areas received 5-15 cm of snow over the past couple days. Fluctuating temperatures have resulted in variable snow surfaces (dry, moist, crusty) depending on aspect and elevation. Moderate W-SW winds have formed fresh wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain at and above treeline. The mid March crust layer is now down 40-60cm. Recent reports suggest that the overlying snow is bonding well to the crust. At many elevations, melt-freeze cycles continue with a weak surface crust forming overnight and then breaking down during the afternoon.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs may have formed in lee and cross-loaded terrain from recent snowfall and moderate W-SW winds. These could grow this week with continued unsettled weather.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Expect moist surface snow to sluff out of steep terrain during sunny breaks or as the temperature rises during the day.

Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 24th, 2015 2:00PM