Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2013 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Loose Wet and Cornices.

gohm, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A moist Pacific frontal system will bring moderate to heavy rain to the region overnight Thursday, continuing light to moderate through Friday. Freezing levels will gradually fall to 1600m on Saturday as precipitation tapers off with up to 6 cm of snow at upper elevations.

Avalanche Summary

One report of a sz 2.5 cornice initiated avalanche which triggered a slab to ground on the fan.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack is now moist on all aspects as high as 2300m in elevation with reports of isothermal conditions as high as 2000m. The surface on north aspects is now moist due to warm overnight temperatures the past two nights.

Problems

Loose Wet

Small wet point releases may entrain significant mass and run a long way.

Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will accumulate into deep deposits.>Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Cornices

Large cornices at upper elevations will be de-stabilized by high freezing levels and incoming rain. Cornice falls may trigger large wet loose avalanches and potentially trigger slabs from upper north facing start zones.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices and steep upper start zones.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2013 2:00PM