Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Jan 30 – 31, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

A rain-soaked snowpack will continue to create dangerous avalanche conditions and poor riding quality.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Wet loose avalanche activity can be expected from steep terrain. These avalanches could entrain significant mass and gouge to ground in shallow snowpack areas.

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Wet slab avalanches may continue to occur and could fail on buried weak layers in the upper and mid snowpack. Expect the most reactivity during periods of rain or strong sun.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred in the past few days as rain impacted the snowpack. Numerous large (size 2-3) persistent slab, wet slab, and wet loose avalanches were reported on Sunday.

If poor riding quality doesn't deter you on Tuesday, keep in mind that human-triggered avalanches remain likely. Avoid overhead exposure, large natural avalanches have the potential to entrain significant mass and run to valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Rain has created a moist or wet upper snowpack at all elevations. A weak surface crust may have formed overnight at upper elevations.

The snowpack has two buried weak layers of concern:

  • A layer of facets and surface hoar buried 30 to 60 cm deep, covered by a thin crust at lower elevations but remaining active higher up.

  • A crust and facet combo from the new year down 80 to 100 cm. This layer seems to be becoming active now that it has a significant load over it.

Currently, the mid and lower snowpack is generally well-bonded, featuring a thick crust near its base.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partially cloudy with periods of light rain. Alpine wind southwest 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 3 °C, freezing level 3000 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks, rainfall up to 5 mm. Alpine wind south 10 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature 4 °C, freezing level 2500 m.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated showers. Alpine wind south 25 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 2 °C, freezing level 2500 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with mixed precipitation, up to 5 mm accumulation. Alpine wind south 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 1 °C, freezing level 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
  • Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, it is raining, or solar radiation is strong.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.

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