Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Crawford, Elkford East, Elkford West, Flathead, Grohman, Kokanee, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, Moyie, Norns, Rossland, South Rockies, St. Mary, Valhalla, Ymir.
Benign spring weather is bringing generally safe avalanche conditions.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
A few size 2 cornice falls were observed on east-facing slopes north of Nelson on Tuesday. Wet loose avalanches (size 1 to 2) also occurred across the region during the warm, sunny weather on Sunday and Monday.
Snowpack Summary
Northerly alpine slopes may still hold 10 to 15 cm of soft, dry snow. Elsewhere, a thick crust covers the surface and may soften with daytime warming. There are no concerning layers deeper in the snowpack, and the snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds with flurries in the Fernie area bringing 0 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Friday
Sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Sunday
Increasing cloud. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Carefully evaluate big and steep terrain features before committing to them.
Avalanche Problems
Cornices
Cornices along ridgelines are large and looming. They weaken with progressive warming and could fail at any time.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3