Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Apr 20 – 21, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Wintery conditions up high - spring conditions down low. Watch for conditions that change with elevation.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    New snow and wind will promote new wind slab development in upper elevation lee terrain. Watch for triggering behind ridge crests and in gullies.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5
    Rain at lower elevations will promote ongoing loose wet avalanche activity. Use increased caution in steep open terrain below treeline.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Saturday: 8-15cm of new snow / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1800mSunday: Clear skies / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 1900mMonday: Clear skies / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 2400m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. I would expect expect a new round of wind slab activity on Saturday in response to new snow and wind. Loose wet avalanches and cornice falls will soon become problematic with warming and solar radiation forecast for Sunday and Monday.

Snowpack Summary

New snow and wind on Saturday are expected to form new wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Depending on aspect and elevation, the new snow will likely overlie moist snow, a melt-freeze crust or settled storm snow from earlier in the week.Numerous other melt-freeze crusts exist in the upper snowpack from rain, sun, and warming during the spring season. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong while melt-freeze conditions exist on all aspects below treeline.

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