State of the Snowpack Update - Kootenay Pass, Dec 9 2024

Date: Dec 9, 2024

• Submission: Keith Robine, CSGA 2 / CAA PRO / AVALANCHE EDUCATOR & AUTHOR

• Location: Kootenay Pass, BC

• Aspect: NW

• Elevation: 2085 m

• HS: 128 cm

There's both bad news and good news in the current snowpack. Let's dig deeper to find out why… 

Join Keith at the Rossland Museum for the first State of the Snowpack in Rossland, BC December 12th, 2024! Presentations start at 7:30 pm with update on the Rossland Range snowpack and surrounding popular touring areas. This is a free event, donations towards State of the Snowpack welcome (donations can be made online via our website). 

Be sure to always check Avalanche Canada for forecasts, conditions, and trip-planning advice!

State of the Snowpack Feb 6, 2024 - GAME ON!

Feb 6, 2024 Rossland Range
Submission: Keith Robine, CSGA / CAA PRO / AVALANCHE EDUCATOR & AUTHOR

Now that we have 25+cm of new snow over last week's rain crusts, what are things looking like in the Rossland Range? Keith talks about stability, a recent avalanche, and the quality of the pow.

State of the Snowpack - Feb 4, 2024 - Winter's Back

Date: Feb 4, 2024
Location: Rossland Range, BC
Submission: Keith Robine, Kootenay Avalanche Courses
CSGA / CAA PRO / AVALANCHE EDUCATOR & AUTHOR

WINTER IS BACK! After a week of rain and warm temperatures, winter returns. Keith updates us on current snowpack conditions in the Rossland Range.

See a summary MIN report on Avalanche Canada

State of the Snowpack Rossland - Jan 29, 2024

We're in the midst of our second Atmospheric River Event of the season. Let's talk about how that changes the snowpack and look at the recent avalanche activity in the Rossland Range.

ROSSLAND LIVE EVENT
Join Keith at the Rossland Museum Jan 31st 2024 for an update on the snowpack!

Be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry!

State of the Snowpack Jan 16, 2024 - Shallow vs Deep

Keith Robine, from Kootenay Avalanche Courses, takes a moment to talk about snowpack depths. It's really important to understand the terrain and snowpack depths as avalanche start zones are typically in shallow rocky areas.

We look at a snow profile that includes deep(ish) snow of 130cm and shallower snow of 80cm. Let's talk about why shallow snowpack is generally weaker using the Atmospheric Rain Crust thickness as an example. This video is for riders with intermediate to advanced avalanche knowledge.

Be sure to always check Avalanche Canada before heading into the backcountry. Visit their website before your tour and use the Trip Planner tool!

Check Kootenay Avalanche Courses for courses based out of Rossland, BC.

Snowpack Update - Jan 3, 24 Rossland Range, BC

Date: Jan 3, 2023
Submission: Keith Robine, CSGA / CAA PRO / AVALANCHE EDUCATOR & AUTHOR

Location: Rossland Range, BV
Aspect: SW
Elevation: 1960 m
HS: 75 cm

Keith and the AST 1 group explore the Big Red Cats terrain and check out the snowpack. While the tide is low it's a great opportunity to understand the layers we are seeing in the snowpack and what that means for the expected new snow in the coming weeks.

See Full MIN report on Avalanche Canada

Be sure to ride with caution, wear your helmet, and always check Avalanche Canada before heading out into the backcountry!