Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 18th, 2015 9:40AM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Be cautions in sheltered areas below tree-line where pockets of recently buried surface hoar may be found.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Forecast

A strengthening storm system is expected to make a big impact on the coast this weekend, but very little of that system is expected to spill into the mountains of the Kootenay Boundary. SATURDAY: Freezing level at valley bottom. Trace of snow possible. Moderate W/SW winds. SUNDAY: 2 to 8 cm of snow possible, freezing level rising to 500m, moderate SW winds. MONDAY: 3 to 8 cm of snow possible, freezing level rising from valley bottom to 500m, Light to moderate SW winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches to report from Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Reports indicate that up to 20cm of new snow now covers a new layer of surface hoar that can be found on all aspects in protected areas. Recent winds have been highly variable and may have formed fresh wind slabs on both north and south aspects. A crust can be found in the upper meter of the snowpack as high as 2400m. At tree-line elevation this crust is thick and supportive, and should be capping any deeper weaknesses.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow and wind on Friday likely developed soft storm slabs, especially in lee features. The new snow may have fallen on a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas bellow tree-line resulting in surprisingly touchy conditions.

Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 19th, 2015 2:00PM