The avalanche danger for most of the Kootenay-Boundary is rated as considerable and high in the north.
Avalanche Canada forecaster Tyson Rettie said in an interview there are “numerous” weak layers in the top meter of the snowpack.
He said the dry spell in January resulted in a “fairly prominent and widespread weak layer.” Since then, each subsequent clear break also formed a persistent weak layer.
“So the upper meter of the snowpack is quite concerning, and the new storm snow that’s arriving today is further weakening that snowpack, creating a dangerous situation,” Rettie said. “We’re expecting that human triggering of avalanches is likely right now.”
Rettie said in the East Kootenay, where the snowpack is a little shallower, the weak layers are closer to the surface, buried under 30 to 50 centimeters of snow, instead of up to 100 centimeters, making them less hazardous than areas around the Kootenay Pass or Whitewater Ski Resort, where recent snowfalls have been greater.
For much of the East and West Kootenay, the avalanche danger is rated at considerable at all elevations today. However, everywhere north of Silverton, Kaslo, and Nakusp, the danger is rated at high today in the alpine. Areas immediately west of Golden, Invermere, and Canal Flats are rated moderate at all elevations. In the Boundary, the danger is rated as moderate at treeline and alpine, and low below the treeline.
Rettie said whether you are sledding, skiing, or snowshoeing, the organization’s message is to choose conservative, low consequence terrain.
“So you should be thinking about the consequences of the slopes you’re traveling on,” he said. “If those slopes were to avalanche, how big is the avalanche going to be? Is it going to have a nice clean run out or is it going to run you into some old growth or into a creek or over a cliff?”
Last week, a skier died in an avalanche in the Selkirk Mountains southeast of Revelstoke.
Avalanche Canada encourages backcountry users to take courses in identifying avalanche risk before heading out and to carry all essential companion rescue gear.
