Avalanche Forecast

Low - Due to the number of field observations

An atmospheric river is impacting the BC coast, and some of that energy will spill into the Kootenay Boundary region delivering strong southerly wind, warmer temperatures and a bit of snowfall. A weak ridge is anticipated for the latter half of the week with potential for dribs and drabs of snow as we move into the weekend. MONDAY NIGHT: Freezing level around 1400 m, strong south/southwest wind, 2 to 15 cm of snow with rain in the valley bottoms. TUESDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 1500 m, moderate to strong south/southwest wind, 2 to 20 cm of snow possible. WEDNESDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level holding around 1500 m, moderate west/southwest wind, trace of precipitation possible.THURSDAY: Broken cloud cover with potential for clearing in the afternoon, freezing level beginning at valley bottom rising to 1500 m in the afternoon, light variable wind, no significant precipitation expected.

A MIN report from Saturday describes a snowboarder triggering and getting caught in a smaller (size 1) storm slab that appeared to have been formed by cross-loading winds in the Ymir bowl area. See the full report on the MIN here.On Saturday in the Meadow Creek area of the neighbouring South Columbias, a group of snowmobilers triggered a large deep persistent slab that released to ground and resulted in multiple involvements. Although still an isolated event, travelers should be aware of roughly similar snowpack characteristics in the Kootenay Boundary region and maintain cautious travel practices - especially in complex terrain at higher elevations. See the full report on the MIN here.Please submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here.

Alpine snow depths in the region are around 70 to 90 cm. 20-40cm of recent snow overlies a layer of surface hoar that was buried on November 21. This layer is expected to be variable in nature and may have been melted into a crust on southern aspects.