Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Grohman, Kokanee, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Norns, North Okanagan, Rossland, Shuswap, South Okanagan, Valhalla, Ymir.
When it's warm both day and night, the snowpack stays soft and wet.
Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Thursday.
A few size 2 cornice falls were observed on east-facing slopes north of Nelson on Tuesday.
Evidence of wet loose avalanches (size 1 to 2) are still visible across the region from the past weekend's warming.
NOTE: Observations are currently very limited in this region.
Snowpack Summary
Surface conditions range from crusty or moist snow on lower and south-facing slopes to firm, wind-affected snow in exposed areas. Pockets of dry snow may still exist on high north-facing slopes.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly clear. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m. Possible temperature inversion.
Friday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Carefully evaluate big and steep terrain features before committing to them.
Avalanche Problems
Cornices
Cornices along ridgelines are large and looming. They weaken with progressive warming and could fail at any time.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3