Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Mar 23 – 24, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

We could more snow in convective flurries on Tuesday, leading to variable snow accumulations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Fresh wind slabs may have formed in lee and cross-loaded terrain from recent snowfall and moderate W-SW winds. These could grow this week with continued unsettled weather.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Expect moist surface snow to sluff out of steep terrain during sunny breaks or as the temperature rises during the day.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Mainly cloudy with occasional snow flurries (around 5 cm). The freezing level is around 1500-1600 m. Winds are light from the W-NW. Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny breaks. The freezing level is near 1800 m and winds are light to moderate from the SW. Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level rockets up to around 3000 m and winds are light from the SW.  

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday several size 1-2 storm slabs were reported from the northern part of the region. These were all from NW-NE aspects between around 2000 and 2300 m. One slide was reported as a size 2.5 that may have been triggered by a cornice fall and may have released on the mid March crust.

Snowpack Summary

Most areas received 5-15 cm of snow over the past couple days. Fluctuating temperatures have resulted in variable snow surfaces (dry, moist, crusty) depending on aspect and elevation. Moderate W-SW winds have formed fresh wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain at and above treeline. The mid March crust layer is now down 40-60cm. Recent reports suggest that the overlying snow is bonding well to the crust. At many elevations, melt-freeze cycles continue with a weak surface crust forming overnight and then breaking down during the afternoon.

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