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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 12th, 2021–Apr 13th, 2021
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Sunny weather and warm temperatures will increase the likelihood of wet loose avalanches on sun-exposed slopes, and cornice failure. Expect to find pockets of wind slab at upper elevations, which may be reactive to human triggers.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how the snowpack will react to the forecast weather.

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure, with sunny skies and high freezing levels will dominate the weather pattern this week.

Monday night - Mainly clear with a few clouds / moderate northeast wind / alpine low temperature near -7 / freezing level 800 m 

Tuesday - Mainly sunny / moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature near -2 / freezing level 2000 m 

Wednesday - Mainly Sunny / moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 1 / freezing level 2400 m 

Thursday - Sunny / moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 2 / freezing level 2500 m

Avalanche Summary

There were a few size 1-1.5 human triggered wind slab avalanches reported in the past few days. Small natural dry loose avalanches were also noted on southeast aspects in the Kootenay Pass area.

Looking forward, wind slabs may remain reactive in leeward terrain features. Small wet loose avalanches are expected on steep solar aspects with sunny weather and rising freezing levels.

Snowpack Summary

A new crust has formed on the surface on solar aspects, and on all aspects up to about 1500 metres. Below it, 5-15 cm of recent storm snow sits on another crust on solar aspects. Sunshine and rising freezing levels are expected to soften the surface crust during the day. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Surface snow will tend to lose cohesion and become unstable with solar warming during the day. Avoid exposing yourself to terrain where a small wet loose avalanche could have big consequences.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs in lee terrain may still react to human triggers. 

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2