Backcountry turns inhospitable as wind, snow compound avalanche problem

By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson Daily

Avalanche danger in the West Kootenay backcountry is creeping back up to high as the week wears on, as wind slabs of snow are becoming compromised by new snow and strong winds.

The Canadian Avalanche Centre is reporting avalanche danger will be high in the alpine in the West Kootenay by Friday, with the danger considerable at the tree line as well as below the tree line.

Additional loading may trigger avalanches on a buried sun crust on steep southerly aspects, said CAC’s Peter Marshall.

“Snowfall amounts could be greater than forecast and I'm a little uncertain about the timing of each system,” he said. “Avalanche danger could reach high on Thursday as the system arrives a little earlier.”

Periods of snow will develop Wednesday with 15 to 25 centimetres of snow. Upper level winds are moderate to strong from the southwest. The freezing level should rise to around 1,500 metres.

On Thursday the snow will continue with another 15 to 25 cm. expected. Moderate southwest winds will accompany a freezing level around 1,000-1,200 m.

The snow tapers off by Friday with a few flurries in the morning. Freezing level around 1,000-1,200 m. 

Marshall said several natural and skier triggered avalanches occurred this week, with up to a size 2.5 reported in Kokanee Glacier Park last weekend.

“These avalanches were typically on southerly aspects and failed on a buried sun crust down 40-70 cm.,” he said.

Steep southerly aspects are still a concern in the backcountry, particularly in the northern part of the region, where a buried sun crust has been quite reactive in recent days.

“It’s a good idea to avoid or limit your exposure to avalanche terrain during periods of intense loading by new snow and wind,” said Marshall.