Avalanche Forecast
Kootenay Boundary
More snow is expected on Monday. Observe for the bond of the new snow to the previous surfaces before committing into avalanche terrain. Be particularly cautious under periods of rapid snowfall loading, as avalanche activity will likely increase.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
- Avoid avalanche terrain under periods of rapid snowfall or wind-transport loading.
- Observe for the bond of new snow with the old surface before committing into avalanche terrain.
Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Precipitation could fall as rain at low elevations. The upper snowpack is already saturated from the weekend's rain and could slide easily with the weight of a human.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm or when it is raining.
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, small storm slab and loose wet avalanches were reactive to skier traffic within the recent storm snow. The storm slabs were at treeline and alpine elevations, 15 to 45 cm deep, and often in lee terrain features. The loose wet avalanches were generally at below treeline elevations.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs may linger in lee alpine terrain features, which were produced from strong south winds. Rain to at least 1800 m produced wet snow on all aspects, which will freeze into a melt-freeze crust at higher elevations. New snow will fall on these surfaces. Numerous other melt-freeze crusts exist in the upper snowpack from rain, sun, and warming over the past month. The snowpack below this is generally well-settled and strong.
At lower elevations below treeline, a spring snowpack exists.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1200 m.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, light to moderate west winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.
WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light southeast winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.
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Monday's snow will fall on saturated snow at low elevations, a crust at higher elevations, and wind slabs near ridge tops. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces.