Watch for changing conditions as you change aspect and elevation.
The highest avalanche danger will be on wind-loaded slopes, and steep slopes seeing intense spring sun.
Slab avalanches continue to be reported in high elevation north facing terrain despite a couple days of sun and above 0 temperatures in the alpine. If you are hunting for winter snow, you may find this problem.
Cornices are more likely to fall when the daytime temperature is at its highest and the sun is out.
With above zero temperatures remaining into the alpine overnight, expect surface snow to remain wet or moist on all aspects. Wet avalanches will be largest and most likely in the heat of the afternoon on slopes facing the sun.
On Sunday, west of Kaslo, a large (size 2.5) natural Cornice fall and a small (size 1.5) human triggered slab avalanche were reported in north facing alpine terrain.
Also, on Saturday and Sunday, numerous small (size 1-1.5) natural wet loose avalanches were reported on steep slopes facing the sun.
This region is data sparse. Please consider submitting a MIN to let us know what you're seeing out there.
Sun and rising freezing levels will turn snow moist during the day, warm temperatures overnight will likely prevent a strong crust from forming.
Where dry snow prevails. 15 to 50 cm of recent storm snow sits on moist snow around treeline or likely on a crust in the alpine. In some areas east of Nakusp, small, weak facets have been seen on the crust.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Check out this Conditions Update for tips on managing the current spring conditions.
Monday Night
Clear skies. 1 mm of rain at treeline. 20-35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 9 °C. Freezing level 3100 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. 10-35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind in the morning, dropping of to near calm in the afternoon. Treeline high 12 °C. Freezing level rising to 3500 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 10 mm of rain at treeline. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 6 °C. Freezing level 3000 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
