Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kootenay Boundary.
Recently formed storm slabs remain reactive to human triggers on all aspects at treeline and above. The forecast rising freezing levels on Thursday are expected to increase the likelihood of loose wet avalanches.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy / Light, westerly winds / Alpine low 3 C / Freezing level 2500 m.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy / Light to moderate, southwesterly winds / Alpine high 6 C / Freezing level 2700 m.
FRIDAY: Rain (snow above roughly 2300 m); 15-25 mm. / Moderate to strong, southwesterly winds / Alpine high 5 C / Freezing level 2500 m.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, northwesterly winds / Alpine high 4 C / Freezing level 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, a party skiing near Kootenay Pass reported "whumphing" on solar aspects near ridgetops and triggered a size 2 storm slab avalanche sitting on a crust on a north aspect at around 2000 m. See the MIN report HERE.
On Sunday, several small size 1 wind slabs were reactive to explosives, one size 3 wind slab avalanche was triggered with a very large explosive. Near Whitewater a skier triggered a windslab avalanche on a steep northwest aspect in the alpine. See the MIN report here.
Snowpack Summary
20-40 cm recent snow is sitting on a crust on all aspects below 2000 m which has recently been reactive to riders. A warming snowpack will drive avalanche hazard as above 0 C temperatures climb to the high alpine. Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
High freezing levels are forecasted overnight and expected to rise quickly into the alpine Thursday. Expect the likelihood of loose wet avalanches to increase through the day, especially where fresh snow has accumulated.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Minimize overhead exposure to cornices above.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Storm Slabs
Recently formed storm slabs remain reactive on all aspects at treeline and above. Read the MIN report from Tuesday HERE.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation/aspect.
- Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the recent snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2