Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2018 4:04PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Steady precipitation over the coming days will gradually elevate the avalanche danger. There is uncertainty for the amount of precipitation and also for the freezing level during the period.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries, Accumulation 5-10cm / Moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 1500m SATURDAY: Cloudy with flurries, Accumulation 5-10cm / Moderate to strong southwest wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level 1600m SUNDAY: Cloudy with flurries, Accumulation 5-10cm / Light southwest wind / Alpine temperature 2 / Freezing level 2000m

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, reports indicated loose dry and wet avalanche activity from steep slopes and terrain features at tree line to size 1.5. No new avalanche observations reported on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

20-30cm of moist new snow is sitting on previous moist or wet snow surfaces. Recent winds from the southeast and southwest have sifted the new snow, forming isolated wind slabs in leeward terrain features and slopes. With freezing levels rising, surface snow will likely become moist through the day. Up to 40 cm of snow that fell last weekend overlies melt-freeze crusts that formed over the past few weeks.The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Building storm slabs will likely be reactive to human triggers, especially as the snow totals accumulate through the forecast period. Isolated pockets of wind slab may exist behind ridge lines.

Observe for the bond of new snow with the old surface before committing into avalanche terrain.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or moist/ wet surface snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Be cautious if you find moist or wet snow. Watch out in steep, gullied terrain, where even small avalanches can have severe consequences.

Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm or the solar radiation is strong.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2018 2:00PM