Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Regions
Kootenay Boundary.
Recent snowfall with associated strong winds has produced new slabs. Assess the snow carefully before entering into avalanche terrain.
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, light southwesterly winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1600 m.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southwesterly winds, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1800 m.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, alpine temperature 2 C, freezing level 2500 m.
Avalanche Summary
Recently formed slab avalanches were reactive to skier traffic on Friday. See this MIN report for more info and photos. Small loose wet avalanches were also triggered by skiers and naturally.
Snowpack Summary
Around 20 to 30 cm of storm snow fell with strong southeast winds, redistributing it into lee features in exposed terrain. The new snow overlies a thin crust and settled snow from last weekend. A 5 cm thick crust is found around 50 cm deep on all aspects and elevations, except above 1900 m on north slopes.The snowpack below this is generally well-settled and strong.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.
Loose Wet
Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.