Regions
Kootenay Boundary.
Spring-like weather means be aware of changing conditions during the day and from one aspect to another. Moist or wet snow may exist on steep, sunny slopes in the afternoon while pockets of windslab may linger near ridgecrest.
Confidence
High - The weather pattern is stable
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy. Ridge wind light from the northwest. Temperature -3. Freezing level 1000 m.THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy. Ridge wind light from the west. Temperature -5. Freezing level 700 m. Alpine inversion.FRIDAY: Cloudy, flurries. Accumulation 5 cm. Ridge wind moderate from the southwest. Temperature -5. Freezing level 700 m.
Avalanche Summary
There have been no reports of avalanche activity since the weekend when small loose dry avalanches were observed from skier traffic in steep terrain on Saturday. Prior to that, small wind slabs were released by a skier and explosives in alpine lee features on Friday. And on thursday, small loose wet avalanches were observed on steep south-facing slopes.
Snowpack Summary
The snow surfaces varies widely depending on aspect and elevation. On south aspects a surface crust has formed but may become moist in the afternoon on steep, sun-exposed slopes. On more northerly aspects, widespread feathery, surface hoar crystals up to 30 mm in length have been observed below treeline as well as in sheltered areas at treeline. In the alpine the surface consists of sugary, faceted snow crystals and hard, wind scoured snow. Below the surface the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a series of late-November crusts which is now buried 20-50 cm and is 15-25 cm thick. Recent snowpack tests have produced hard, resistant compression test results within the layers of this crust. Below this layer the lower snowpack is strong and well settled.