Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2019 3:53PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Conditions vary rapidly with elevation. Watch out for fresh wind slabs above the rain-snow line.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, light south wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1900 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1700 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, moderate south wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Above around 1800 m, 5 to 15 cm of recent snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north, where the snow may overly weak faceted snow or surface hoar. The snow has been redistributed by strong southerly wind. Another 5 cm is expected to accumulate during Friday. Below 1800 m, the snowpack is wet. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong southwest wind has blown recent snow into lee terrain features, forming wind slabs. Use added caution above the rain-snow line, where these deposits may be reactive to human traffic.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Expect conditions to change rapidly with elevation.Watch for quickly changing conditions during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2019 2:00PM