Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Kootenay Boundary.
Keep an eye on the snow surface, as it becomes moist from solar input the size and likelihood of avalanches will increase.
Confidence
Moderate - We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday night: Flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light west winds and a low of -7 at 1500 m.
Wednesday: Sunny with no new snow expected. Light westerly wind and freezing levels rising to 1800 m.
Thursday: Sunny with no new snow expected. Moderate southwest winds and freezing levels rising to 2300 m.
Friday: Stormy with up to 5 cm of new snow in the alpine and rain below. Moderate to strong southwest winds and freezing levels around 2200 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Monday storm slab avalanches up to size 1.5 were triggered on all aspects at treeline. Triggers included ski cuts, vehicle remotes and explosives. Several small natural cornice falls were also observed.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow has formed slabs at treeline and above. Below this new snow a crust exists on all aspects and elevations. Moist snow will be observed at lower elevations and on all sun exposed slopes as the freezing level rises and the sun comes out.
Multiple crusts exist in the upper snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs will likely be found near ridge crests on north and east aspects. Wind slabs may be sensitive to rider traffic due to an underlying crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wet Slabs
Wet slab and wet loose avalanches will likely increase in size and sensitivity to triggering as the freezing level rises and the sun comes out.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2