Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2016 7:44AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

pmarshall, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Check out our latest Forecaster's Blog for information on recent close calls and advice on how to manage the current conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: A mixed bag... Possibly 5-10 cm at higher elevations with the odd sunny break. The freezing level peaks above 2000 m. Ridge winds are light from the SE. Thursday: Cooler but still variable. Some light snow and sunny breaks are possible. The freezing level lowers to 1500-1600 m and winds are moderate from the SW. Friday: More of the same. Flurries and sunny breaks. The freezing level hovers around 1400-1500 m and winds are light.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous size 1-2 natural, skier-controlled, and explosive controlled slab avalanches were reported on Monday. These slabs were reported on all aspects, and were mainly on slopes above 1800-1900 m. Below 1800 m there were reports of a size 1-1.5 loose wet sluffs on sun-exposed slopes.

Snowpack Summary

35-60 cm of recent storm snow sits on a supportive crust at and below treeline, a breakable crust on south-facing slopes in the alpine, buried surface hoar in sheltered terrain, or old wind affected surfaces. Moderate south-southwest winds have created fresh dense wind slabs on exposed leeward slopes. Periods of sun may have also resulted in moist snow or a sun crust on south-facing slopes. A few buried surface hoar layers exist in the top 100 cm in drier areas on the west side of the region. In other areas the notable early January surface hoar layer is 80-130 cm deep and poses a low probability/ high consequence threat. It should remain on your radar, especially in thin snowpack areas and during periods of significant warming or rapid loading.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Weaknesses have been observed within and at the bottom of the recent 35-60 cm of storm snow. Expect dense touchy wind slabs in exposed lee terrain.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Wet

Warm weather and brief sunny breaks could trigger loose wet activity at lower elevations on Wednesday.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2016 2:00PM