With the estimated 30 centimetres of new snow, the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) has given the high alpine and at treeline regions of the Kootenay Boundary a considerable danger rating.
Mark Bender, avalanche forecaster with CAC, says that conditions are not as bad as they were a week ago.
“I think last week we would’ve been heading in a larger storm cycle, we’re not quite there yet now.”
The CAC describes considerable danger as dangerous avalanche conditions where those heading into the backcountry need to do careful snow pack evaluations.
“They’d have to be very cautious with the route finding and make conservative decisions,” he says.
The 30 centimetres of snow below the treeline is on a strong crust and so is in the low danger zone, he says.
“That would be below about 1,700 metres. Anything above that elevation, there is a couple of weaker layers in the snowpack that are layers of concern.”
Bender recommends carrying an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe.
“Of course, they should make sure everyone in their party is carrying one of those and everyone should know how to use those,” he adds.
Bender also advises those who have not taken an avalanche awareness course to take one.
The avalanche bulletin is updated daily on avalanche.ca.