Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 14th, 2013–Apr 15th, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Due to a lack of information sources at this time of year, this forecast is based primarily on weather data. If you have been traveling in the backcountry recently, send us your observations. Email us at [email protected]

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Monday: An upper trough of low pressure brings unsettled weather. Isolated snow showers and broken skies are expected. Winds light to moderate from the northwest and freezing levels 1000m.Tuesday and Wednesday: An Upper ridge of high pressure builds bringing generally dry conditions and clearer skies. Freezing level 600-1000m on Tuesday and 1500m on Wednesday. Winds light to moderate northwesterly.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports indicate loose snow sluffing easily in steep terrain to size 1. This seems to be mostly isolated to the recent storm snow. Also some skier triggered and natural slab avalanches to size 2 in wind loaded pockets in the alpine and treeline.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm of new snow has fallen in the past 36 hours above 1400m. Recent moderate to strong winds have created wind slabs in alpine leeward slopes. Cooler temperatures may have may have frozen the wet and isothermic snow surface into a crust at lower elevations. Expect these crusts to break down quickly if temperatures rise during the day.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow combined with moderate to strong winds have created windslabs in the lee of terrain features.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3