Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2019 3:11PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

New snow has accumulated at upper elevations along with westerly winds. Use caution around ridge crests and lee terrain features, where deposits will be most reactive.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation / west wind, 15-30 km/h / alpine low -7 C / freezing level 1000 mMONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud and isolated flurries / west wind, 10-15 km/h / alpine high -1 C / freezing level 1700 mTUESDAY: Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / west wind, 15-35 km/h / alpine high 0 C / freezing level 2000 mWEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / west wind, 15 gusting to 50 km/h / alpine high +3 C / freezing level 2300 m

Avalanche Summary

Late in the day Sunday, small wind slab pockets were reactive to skier traffic.On Wednesday, wind slabs in lee features were reactive to explosives.On Tuesday, wind and storm slabs up to size 1 were reactive to skier traffic on sun affected slopes in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Around 15 cm new snow accumulated into Sunday, westerly wind are redistributing snow at upper treeline and higher. The new snow adds to last weeks snowfall totalling 15-30 cm over a crust on most aspects. On high alpine polar aspects, the underlying snowpack is settled and dry.Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Around 15 cm fresh snow has accumulated at upper elevations. Older wind slabs may be hidden under the fresh snow. Be cautious around ridge crests and in wind loaded terrain where deposits will be deepest.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and sun exposure will increase the likelihood of loose wet avalanches.

Minimize overhead exposure to cornices above.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2019 2:00PM