Heavy snowfall combined with rising temperatures has significantly increased the avalanche risk in the Kootenay region, with Avalanche Canada listing the risk as ‘high’ for the Nelson, Nakusp, and Fernie areas.
Avalanche Canada forecaster Wendy Lewis says the region currently has multiple weak layers in the snowpack, formed during January and February’s cold and dry temperatures.
However, this past weekend’s heavy snowfall and warm temperatures have now formed a slab over the weak layers, creating dangerous conditions.
Lewis says the risk will continue to increase, as the region’s forecast predicts more snow on Monday and Tuesday, combined with warm temperatures.
“So, avalanche danger is going to remain elevated because of that, and the dangerous conditions will also continue after this storm. The buried weak layers are expected to remain reactive because we still have warmer temperatures, and they’ve just received this heavy load of new snow.”
Lewis notes that persistent slab problems are challenging to manage and tend to last longer than storm instability.
Backcountry users are recommended to choose conservative terrain in light of this risk, with Lewis advising that those heading into the backcountry should try to minimize or avoid avalanche terrain entirely.
“Choose small, low-angle slopes free from overhead hazards, because natural activity might taper off, but human triggering is likely to remain for some time.”
Avalanche Canada has yet to issue a special public avalanche warning for the region, but Lewis says the local danger rating will remain at high and considerable.
She says special public avalanche warnings are typically issued when the danger is not fully expressed in the avalanche forecast. An example would be an avalanche that is less likely to be triggered, but, if it is, it could be very large, destructive, and dangerous.
A warning may be considered in the near future if the region’s weak layers continue to be a concern.
If you are recreating in the backcountry, Lewis says patience is key to ensuring your safety.
“Don’t underestimate the danger when you’re out there. These problems often don’t have many clues of instability until it’s too late, so you won’t have an indication that it’s reactive. Keeping patient and choosing conservative terrain is really the way to go when we have these problems and high uncertainty over what’s going to happen.”
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