Kootenay Boundary

Stick to smooth, lower angled slopes and low speeds for the best odds of avoiding early season hazards. Even a small avalanche would be a big problem with such low snow.

No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days. This should stay the same until the region receives more snow.

Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you do head out in the backcountry! 🙏

Surface conditions are a mix of surface hoar topping a few cm of faceting snow in shaded, sheltered areas, sun crust on steep south and west-facing slopes, and wind effect on exposed terrain at treeline and above.

A crust with facets or depth hoar exists at or near the ground.

Expect early-season conditions with a shallower-than-average snowpack. At treeline, snowpack depths are between 30-80 cm. Below treeline, snowpack depths taper quickly.

Tuesday Night

Clear with valley cloud below 2000 m. west alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h. Above freezing layer at 2500 m diminishing.

Wednesday

Mainly sunny with valley cloud remaining in place below 2000 m. Northwest alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

Becoming cloudy. South alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with isolated flurries continuing from overnight. Minimal accumulations. Southwest or southeast alpine wind 10-20 km/h. Treeline temperature -7°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Expect shallow snow cover that barely covers ground roughness.
• Winter conditions may exist in gullies, alpine bowls, and around ridgelines.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.