Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 28th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is high. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

trettie, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary, Kokanee, Valhalla, Crawford, Moyie, St. Mary, Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, Ymir.

Avoid avalanche terrain.

We are expecting widespread, large natural avalanche activity.

Stick to low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural, skier, and remotely triggered avalanches up to size 3 have been reported in the past few days throughout the region. All avalanches slid on layers in the upper snowpack.

We expect avalanche activity to increase in size and frequency on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 60 cm of new snow will have fallen by mid day on Thursday. This new snow will form touchy storm slabs.

A layer of facets, surface hoar and a crust is down up to 50 cm.

A widespread crust formed in early February is buried roughly 40 to 80 cm and extends up to 2400 m. Facets have been found above this crust. This layer has produced many concerning avalanches across the province.

The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with up to 40 cm of new snow. 40 to 60 km/h south alpine wind. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow. 20 to 50 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -3Â°C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 10 cm of new snow. 15 to 35 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -6Â°C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 30 km/h southeast alpine wind. Treeline temperature -7Â°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow accompanied by strong wind will form touchy slabs. These slabs will have the potential to travel full path.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Certain

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Weak layers in the top meter of the snowpack are rider triggerable and could result in very large avalanches. This includes the crust from early February.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Feb 29th, 2024 4:00PM