Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Dec 2 – 3, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Storm slabs could build throughout the day and be touchy in areas where new snow has buried a surface hoar layer. Watch out for newly covered obstacles.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    New snow may not bond well to previous hard surfaces. Small, dry loose avalanches are likely.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    10 to 15 cm of new snow will bury a surface hoar layer, which may make storm slabs touchy. Where accumulations don't reach 15 cm small dry loose avalanches will be likely.

Confidence

No Rating

Avalanche Summary

Storm slabs may develop as the snow accumulates throughout the day and could be touchy in areas where this new snow buries surface hoar. In areas where there is less than 15 cm of new snow, loose dry avalanches are likley.

Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you head out in the backcountry! 🙏

Snowpack Summary

10 to 15 cm of new snow will bury a surface hoar layer formed during the clear, cool weather over various surfaces of wind-pressed snow, sun crust, and faceted soft snow.

A crust with facets or depth hoar beneath it exists near the ground.

Expect early-season conditions with a shallower-than-average snowpack. At treeline, snowpack depths are between 30-80 cm. Below treeline, snowpack depths taper quickly.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries and trace accumulation. Southwest wind 25 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with flurries continuing from the overnight period, bringing 10 to15 cm of new snow. Southwest wind 30-40 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with flurries, 3 to 5 cm accumulation. South wind 40 to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with flurries, 5 to 10 cm accumulation, south wind 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -3 °C

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Regions covered