Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Mar 28 – 29, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Avalanche conditions are becoming quite manageable with normal cautions. Watch for areas of reactive wind-loaded snow and keep up those safe travel practices.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2

    10 to 20 cm of recent snow and moderate southwest winds formed wind slabs at upper elevations. These slabs are most likely to still be reactive on steep, leeward features immediately below ridgetop.

Confidence

High

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

Avalanche Summary

It's been an increasingly quiet couple of days in the Kootenay Boundary. No new avalanches were reported on Friday.

On Thursday, several natural and skier triggered wind slabs up to size 1.5 were reported on north/east aspects in the alpine. Natural wet loose avalanches up to size 2 were also reported on steep solar aspects.

If you are heading into the backcountry, please consider sharing conditions by posting a MIN.

Snowpack Summary

Surface crust has likely begun to form on solar aspects, topping 10 to 25 cm of recent snow, which was affected by moderate southwest winds, forming wind slabs on lee aspects at upper elevations. These may still be reactive on steep slopes below ridgetop.

The recent snow sits on a crust from early March that is 5 to 20 cm thick in most locations. It may become thinner at upper elevations.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong in most areas.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries bringing 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, increasing. Treeline temperature falling to -2 °C as freezing level dips to 1600 m.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries and a trace of new snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday
Becoming mostly sunny after Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow overnight into the morning. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind, easing. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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