Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2013 10:12AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

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 forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Moderate precipitation possible through the overnight period Friday to Saturday with the passage of a cold front. Freezing level 1300m. Winds strong from the southwest switching to moderate west.Sunday and Monday: A broad upper trough of low pressure brings unsettled conditions. Mainly cloudy with the chance for light to locally moderate convective precipitation. Freezing level to remain at 1300m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. Pockets of wind slab may be triggered by skiers or riders at higher elevations.

Snowpack Summary

40-60cm of moist new snow has fallen at 1800m elevation and above in last 5 days. This new snow sits on a crust at upper elevations. The snowpack continues to be moist or wet below this crust. Recent moderate to strong winds may 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 as temperatures rise during the day.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet snow slides may release naturally from steep terrain at treeline and below. Wet slides in motion may gain a lot of mass as they scour isothermal snowpacks down to the ground.

Avoid travelling on slopes which are becoming wet due to rain, warm temperatures, or sun.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2013 2:00PM