Avalanche Forecast
Kootenay Boundary
More snow is expected on Tuesday. 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
- Observe for the bond of new snow with the old surface before committing into avalanche terrain.
- Avoid avalanche terrain under periods of rapid snowfall or wind-transport loading.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Precipitation will fall as rain at low elevations. The snow will rapidly weaken and could slide easily with the weight of a human, producing large avalanches.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm or when it is raining.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, many loose wet avalanches and storm slab avalanches were triggered naturally and by explosives. They were large (size 2 to 2.5) and on all aspects between 1700 m and 2100 m.
Snowpack Summary
Around 20 to 30 cm of snow fell on Monday. This fell on moist snow or a melt-freeze crust up to at least 1800 m produced from rain and warm temperatures on Sunday. Numerous other melt-freeze crusts exist in the upper snowpack from rain, sun, and warming during the spring season. The snowpack below this is generally well-settled and strong.
At lower elevations below treeline, a spring snowpack exists.
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, light to moderate west winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny and afternoon clouds, light southeast winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny, light southwest winds, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2000 m.
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20 to 30 cm of snow fell on Monday, producing slabs that may not bond well to previous surfaces, including wet snow at low elevations, a crust at higher elevations, and wind slabs near ridge tops. More snow on Tuesday will make the slabs touchier.