Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bonnington, Crawford, Grohman, Kokanee, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Moyie, Norns, Rossland, St. Mary, Ymir.
The freezing level is forecast to drop a bit Monday, yet the sun will still be out. Thin wet loose avalanches are the main concern on steep slopes facing the sun.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Numerous size 1-1.5 wet loose avalanches were reported on Saturday and Sunday. They were primarily running on slopes facing the sun. Expect wet loose avalanches to continue Monday as the sky clears and the freezing level rises to mountain top.
Snowpack Summary
Expect surfaces to melt and weaken as the freezing level climbs to 2300 m on Monday. This will occur more rapidly on sun-exposed slopes.
The upper snowpack consists of various melt-freeze layers and the lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly clear. 10-20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud. 15-30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20-30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy. 10-25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Wet avalanches are likely to occur on steep slopes exposed to heat and/or sun.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2