Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Crawford, Grohman, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Moyie, Norns, Rossland, Ymir.
Watch for persistent slabs to become more reactive as the temperature gradually rises in the coming days.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday numerous small (size 1 to 1.5) natural and human triggered dry loose avalanches were reported running in steep terrain. A size 1.5 natural persistent slab was reported on a north aspect in the alpine. A few large (size 2) explosives triggered wind slabs running on southerly aspects in the alpine were reported in the southern part of the region.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear. 10 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 3 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
A layer of surface hoar buried 20 to 60 cm has been reactive where a cohesive slab sits above it.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Dry loose avalanches can gather more snow as they move downhill and become large in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2