Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Regions
Kootenay Boundary.
Human triggered avalanches remain possible at all elevations. A cautious approach to backcountry travel is recommended.
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT -Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries / northwest winds 10-20 km/h / alpine low temperature near -11WEDNESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / northeast winds 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near -9THURSDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / northwest winds 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near -9FRIDAY - Mainly cloudy with flurries, 2-4 cm / southwest winds, 15-35 km/h / alpine high temperature near -10
Avalanche Summary
Numerous skier triggered avalanches have been reported everyday for the past week. Although most avalanches have been small (size 1-1.5), some have shown impressive propagation. Check some of the recent MIN reports for examples (here and here).
Snowpack Summary
Surface snow consists of a mix of low density snow and wind affected surfaces. 20 to 40 cm of snow from the past week is gradually settling, and in some areas has shown signs of becoming reactive above above a surface hoar and crust layer that was buried on February 7th. This layer is suspect at all elevations, particularly on wind loaded slopes and on steep south-facing terrain.Two other surface hoar layers are buried 50 to 80 cm deep the snowpack (referred to as the February 1st and mid-January layers). Although they have not been reactive recently, they are still being monitored by professionals. These layers are most prevalent below treeline on shady aspects. The lower snowpack is well settled.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.