Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Dec 7 – 8, 2017Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Stick to shady terrain. Wet loose avalanches are most likely on sun-exposed slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Slab avalanches may be possible on slopes where the wind has blown the snow into a hard slab above a buried crust.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Sustained warm temperatures are weakening the surface snow, especially on steep slopes exposed to the sun.

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Alpine sun with valley clouds, moderate northwest wind, freezing level around 3000 m with inversions in the valleys.SATURDAY: Alpine sun with valley clouds, moderate west wind, freezing level around 2800 m with inversions in the valleys.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate west wind, freezing level rising to 3200 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, several small wet loose avalanches (size 1-1.5) were reported on steep south facing slopes. More wet loose activity can be expected with the sustained warming this week.

Snowpack Summary

Dramatic warming will cause widespread melting of the surface snow, especially on south-facing slopes. Crusts may form overnight, but will melt quickly in the mornings. The warm weather has settled the snowpack and likely improved the bond to the 30-50 cm deep rain crust from late November. Some wind affected snow exists at higher elevations, and could potentially still be reactive above this crust.

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