Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Apr 14 – 15, 2014Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche danger can rise very quickly with warming and solar radiation. Be aware of rapidly changing conditions and overhead hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Loose wet slides are possible in steep open terrain during warm sunny breaks or periods of rain. 

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    This problem is becoming less likely with more cloud and slightly cooler temperatures but it still deserves some respect. Minimize your exposure on large steep alpine slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet. 

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Increasing cloud with a chance of flurries in the afternoon. The freezing level is around 1500 m and ridge winds are light to moderate from the W-NW. Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level is around 1600 m and ridge winds are light. Thursday: Cloudy with sunny breaks and a chance of showers or wet flurries. The freezing level is around 2000-2200 m. Winds are moderate from the South.  

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. It is likely that there was some natural avalanche activity on Monday associated with warm temperatures and strong solar radiation. Natural activity should taper off with forecast cloud cover and cooling.

Snowpack Summary

Melt-freeze cycles have created a hard and thick crust at the surface in most places, which has been breaking down on all aspects up to around 2000 m and above this elevation on solar aspects. The late January/early February persistent weak layer is deeply buried and has not produced avalanches in this region for some time now. Cornices are large in some areas and should be given a wide berth.

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