Kootenay Boundary

Wind loaded slopes may have the best snow coverage, but they are also the most likely to avalanche. Buried rocks, stumps, and crusts also remain a hazard.

On Wednesday, west of Pincher Creek, explosive avalanche control produced a large (size 2) avalanche on a wind loaded northeast aspect in the alpine.

Looking forward to Friday, moderate winds would make small human triggered avalanches likely in the alpine.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN.

Snowpack observations have been limited, but our snowpack models suggest that there is an average of 65 cm of snow at treeline, tapering rapidly below. Observations south of Fernie and Nelson showed deeper treeline snowpacks, 100-150 cm.

The top half of the snowpack is expected to be soft, recent snowfall. It’s sticking well to the harder crust layers underneath, which make up most of the lower snowpack.

The snowpack generally seems to be right side up and strong. In many places, especially at treeline and below, there is not enough snow to overcome surface roughness and be above the threshold for avalanches.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy. 4 to 7 cm of snow at treeline. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Mostly sunny. 1 to 2 cm of snow at treeline. 20-40 km/h northwest through northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday

Sunny. 1 cm of snow at treeline. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

Sunday

Sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.