Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Small wind slabs are present in the alpine and wet loose avalanches will continue with warm temperatures and forecast rain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, small ongoing wet loose and minor sluffing was observed.
On Friday, several explosive triggered small (size 1) wind slab avalanches where reported near Kelowna.
NOTE: Observations in this region are currently very limited.
Snowpack Summary
20 to 30 cm of moist snow overlies a crust. At elevations below 1500 m, this snow is likely becoming wet. On solar aspects above 1500 m a crust exists on the surface. Beneath this is a moist upper snowpack.
The mid/lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy with snow and rain 1-5 cm. 15 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6 °C. Freezing level 3000 m.
Monday
Cloudy with snow and rain 5 to 10 cm. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m rising to 2000 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with snow and rain 5 to 10 cm. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Avalanche danger will rapidly increase if snow switches to rain.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Small wet loose avalanches are likely on steep slopes during periods of warming and rain.
Aspects: South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs exist in the alpine and are most likely to trigger where they overlie a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5