Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Apr 22 – 23, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

We are getting back into a seasonal spring trend with cool nights, warm days, and highly variable snow conditions with elevation and aspect changes. Be on the lookout for signs that suggest unstable snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Use caution entering steep, lee terrain features below ridges, where wind slabs could be found.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Cornices are large and looming at this time of year. Any cornice release could be catastrophic. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    Use caution on sun-exposed slopes when the sun is shining. Relatively warm air and sun can pack a punch, causing loose wet avalanches that may entrain recent snow and travel far.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear and starry, 10-20 km/h northwest wind, alpine low temperature -2 C, freezing level hovering around 1600 m.

SATURDAY: Mostly sunny skies with scattered cloud, 10-25 km/h north wind, alpine high temperature +6 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising above 2200 m.

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 10 km/h southwest wind gusting to 60 km/h, alpine high temperature +8 C, freezing level 2300 m.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, accumulation trace to 5 cm, 20-30 km/h southwest wind, alpine high temperature +4 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2200 m.

Avalanche Summary

Wet loose avalanches were observed around Kootenay Pass on Wednesday, releasing above 1800 m within the recent snow.

Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.

Snowpack Summary

Shaded aspects at treeline and alpine elevations have up to 30 cm of snow from Tuesday and on, with locally deeper amounts in lee terrain features from southwest wind. Sun-exposed slopes and below treeline elevations consist of a bit of recent snow over a melt-freeze crust that may moisten during daytime warming. The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts. 

We're in classic spring-time conditions with crusts and moist snow at lower elevations and still winter-like conditions in the alpine. At ridge top, remember that cornices are large and looming at this time of year.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

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