South Okanagan

Assess the bond of the new snow to the old in your area.

Start on small, simple terrain before increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain.

Up to 40 cm of new snow has built storm slabs at upper elevations. These slabs are expected to be thickest and most reactive on wind-loaded north and east aspects. High freezing levels may result in rain at lower elevations.

Otherwise, 40 to 70 cm of snow overlies a melt-freeze crust. Two weak layers of surface hoar and/or faceted grains associated with crusts from late-January and mid-February may be found 70 to 120 cm deep. Recently, these layers have been unreactive and are not a significant concern. The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and strong.

Monday Night

Cloudy with 0 to 3 mm/cm of rain/snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 2 mm of rain. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2600 m by end of day.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature +7 °C. Freezing level rising to 3100 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm/mm of snow or rain. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level falling to 1800 m by noon.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.