Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Crawford, Grohman, Kokanee, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Moyie, Norns, Retallack, Rossland, South Okanagan, St. Mary, Valhalla, Ymir.
In steep terrain, where the new snow is deep, watch out for loose snow that starts to move with you down the slope.
Retreat to mellower terrain if you find denser snow that cracks around you.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, near Rossland, several small, thin, naturally triggered storm slab avalanches were reported on steep slopes below treeline.
On Tuesday, southwest of Nelson, a small, rider-triggered avalanche was reported on a steep, wind loaded slope with shallow snow cover. Also, some sluffing was reported while riding in steep terrain.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
10-15 cm of new snow (with localized hotspots of up to 30 cm) has likely covered weak, faceted now in many areas and wind-affected surfaces in open areas at all elevations.
A layer of surface hoar is found down 70 cm in sheltered, north-facing terrain. This layer appears as a sun crust on south-facing slopes. As temperatures slowly warm this layer may become reactive to human triggering. The middle of the snowpack contains a series of old melt freeze-crusts.
A thick crust deep in the snowpack largely protects any weak layers further down in the snowpack from being triggered.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2-4 cm of snow expected. Light north ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -15 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -15 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. 2-4 cm of snow expected with localized hotspots getting up to 10 cm. Light east ridgetop wind, switching to south through the day. Treeline temperature around -10 °C, with possible temperature inversion.
Saturday
Cloudy. 5-10 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C, with possible temperature inversion.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Use appropriate sluff management techniques.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
This problem is less likely in places that saw less snowfall. Watch for signs of instability, such as cracking and recent avalanches. Use extra caution in leeward terrain where southwest winds may have developed more cohesive slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2