Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Feb 7 – 8, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Recent snow accumulations have been redistributed into wind slabs in exposed areas by moderate west winds. In steep, sheltered terrain, the recent snow may react as a loose snow avalanche.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    An assortment of weak crystals is buried between 35 and 50cm below the surface. Although this interface is gaining strength, triggering may still be possible in unsupported terrain.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

A drying trend is expected to evolve throughout the forecast period as ridge of high pressure becomes firmly established over the region. Friday and Saturday should see a mix of sun and cloud; however, Sunday is more likely to see generally clear skies. Overnight cooling with a strong daytime solar influence becomes more likely throughout the period. Winds are expected to remain generally light and west/northwesterly.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday a few small, skier-triggered loose snow avalanches failed within the new snow in steep terrain.No other avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Light to locally moderate amounts of recently fallen snow have been redistributed into soft wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow overlies a gamut of old surfaces which include: old wind slabs at higher elevations, fairly widespread surface hoar, and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. These surfaces will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops.About 35-50cm below the surface is an interface of surface hoar or a sun crust that was buried on Jan 23. Although it seems to be gaining strength in some areas, this weakness remains a concern of professionals in the region and continues to show 'sudden' fracture characteristics in snowpack tests.The snowpack below this is generally well bonded.

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