Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Mar 9, 2019Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Variable snowfall amounts accumulated across the region. The snow may be reactive on Saturday, either as soft slabs or loose snow. The persistent slab problem still exists and is best controlled by diligent group management.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Two layers of weak surface hoar and/or a crust are buried 40 to 80 cm. Recent activity has been between 1700 m and 2200 m and on southwest to southeast aspects. The problem is best controlled with appropriate group management.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    The recent snow may remain loose in certain areas but may transition into a slab as settlement continues. The snow may be most reactive in steep terrain, which is also where the consequence may be the highest.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm and locally higher amounts possible, light variable wind, alpine temperature -11 C.SATURDAY: Cloudy with isolated snowfall, trace accumulation, light variable wind, alpine temperature -10 C.SUNDAY: Clear skies, light northwest wind, alpine temperature -9 C, freezing level 1300 m.MONDAY: Clear skies with afternoon clouds, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous small (size 1) loose dry avalanches were observed in treeline and alpine terrain on Thursday, being triggered naturally and by skiers.

Snowpack Summary

Around 15 to 25 cm of recent snow overlies wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, soft and faceted snow in sheltered areas, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects.Two layers of weak and feathery surface hoar crystals are buried in the snowpack between 40 and 80 cm deep, which were buried mid-February and early-February. The layers may be associated with a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. These layers remain reactive in snowpack tests and have produced sporadic avalanches in the region over the past week.

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