Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Regions
Kootenay Boundary.
This bulletin was created using very limited field data. Substantial variation in snowpack structure is likely to exist across the region. If you are out in the mountains, please send your observations to [email protected].
Confidence
Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Weather Forecast
Saturday: Cloudy with flurries bringing 5-10cm of fresh snow. Light southwesterly winds and freezing levels remaining in valley bottoms. Sunday: Another 10-20cm of snow is expected throughout the day with associated moderate southwesterly winds. Freezing levels remaining in valley bottoms. Monday: Continued moderate to heavy snowfall with up to 40cm throughout the day. Cooling temperatures under moderate northeasterly winds.
Avalanche Summary
We have received no new reports of avalanche activity, but observations have been limited. Avalanche activity is expected to increase throughout the weekend with forecast snow and wind. If you've been out in the mountains and observed recent avalanche activity, please report it to [email protected]
Snowpack Summary
Snow depth is typically 80-110cm at treeline with 60 to 70cm of well settled snow sitting on the October crust located just above the ground. Little is known about the bond to this crust; however, limited reports suggest that it is currently well bonded. The snow surface on sun exposed alpine slopes, and all slopes below treeline, has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Large surface hoar has also formed on all aspects. Although it has been melting on south aspects during the day, it has likely been regrowing overnight. If you are traveling in the mountains, now is a good time to make note of these surface conditions which may become persistent weak layers once buried by a sufficiently cohesive slab.
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.