Avalanche Forecast
Kootenay Boundary
Expect the avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day on Thursday as new snow accumulates.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- The new snow may require several days to settle and stabilize.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday a naturally-triggered size 1 storm slab was observed around Kootenay Pass. The avalanche occurred on a southeast aspect at about 2100m, and is thought to have failed on the recently buried crust. More storm slab activity is expected in response to new snow and wind on Thursday.
We currently have very limited observations in this region. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30cm of new snow has fallen in the past few days. At higher elevations, southerly winds (gusting strong at times) likely redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on lee features.
Below the recent storm snow you may find a couple of crusts which formed during last week's rain. That said, little is known about the reactivity of these crusts or the elevation bands at which you're likely to find them.
Last week's heavy rain to the mountaintops really shrunk the snowpack and has transitioned much of the snowpack from dry to moist snow. The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 100-170cm in the alpine, 50-100cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.
We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.
Weather Forecast
Thursday: 5-15cm of new snow / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1100m
Friday: 3-5cm of new snow / Light southerly winds / Freezing level at 1100m
Saturday: Continued light flurries / Light southerly winds / Freezing level at 700m
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New wind and snow on Thursday will form reactive new storm slabs. Storm slabs may be larger than expected in areas where underlying crusts remain reactive.