Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Nov 30 – Dec 1, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Avalanche danger is increasing with the added load of new storm snow. The cooling trend with this storm is expected to bring enough snow to below treeline elevations to produce avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3–5
    Areas that have a deeply buried early season crust may become reactive due to the increased load from the storm snow.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–4
    The forecast new snow and wind is expected to develop storm slabs. These storm slabs may not bond well to buried weak layers.

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Sunday: Moderate to locally heavy precipitation overnight as the arctic front collides with Pacific moisture. Expect strong westerly winds ahead of the arctic air, and moderate northerly winds after the passage of the cold front.Monday: Precipitation should end during the day. Expect clearing skies and cold valley temperatures.Tuesday: Clear and cold with moderate Northeast 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 have 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.

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