Regions
Kootenay Boundary.
This forecast is based on very few field observations and a high level of uncertainty exists. A conservative approach to terrain selection is critical until more snowpack data becomes available.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
Friday: 5-10cm of new snow / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1100mSaturday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 1000mSunday: Overcast skies / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 800m
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday a naturally-triggered size 1 storm slab was observed around Kootenay Pass. The avalanche occurred on a southeast aspect at about 2100m, and is thought to have failed on the recently buried crust. A natural storm slab avalanche cycle is expected to have occurred on Wednesday and Thursday in response to recent wind and snowfall. The possibility of human triggering these storm slabs may continue into the weekend.We currently have very limited observations in this region. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Up to 40cm of new snow has fallen since last weekend. At higher elevations, southerly winds (gusting strong at times) likely redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on lee features.Below the recent storm snow you'll likely find a couple of widespread crusts which formed as a result of last week's rain. Last week's heavy rain to the mountaintops really shrunk the snowpack and has transitioned much of the snowpack from dry to moist snow. The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 100-170cm in the alpine, 50-100cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.