Regions
Kootenay Boundary.
Confidence
Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Synopsis: A short-lived ridge of high pressure on Sunday is replaced by a weak low pressure system for Monday.Sunday: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Winds light northwesterly. Freezing level around 900 m.Monday: Flurries. Winds light westerly. Freezing level around 900 m.Tuesday: Dry. Cloudy. Calm. Freezing level around 900 m.
Avalanche Summary
Small loose snow avalanches were reported on south facing slopes during recent warm weather.
Snowpack Summary
5-15 cm of recent snowfall (possibly a little more near Kokanee Glacier Park) overlies a recent layer of surface hoar buried around Feb 12. We have had some reports this layer contains crystals up to 30mm in some locations. This large size of crystal increases the likelihood this layer will present problems as it becomes more deeply buried. Wind slabs are widespread in exposed areas. Two previous buried surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers from Feb 4th and Jan 23 are still being tracked by professionals but have not been reactive recently. They can be found approximately 30 cm and 50 cm below the surface, respectively. These layers may be worth investigating on a safe but representative adjacent slope if you are considering riding in aggressive terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.
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.