Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Recent storm snow may need extra time to settle. Use caution, especially where more than 20 cm has accumulated.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday near both Kelowna and Vernon, explosive avalanche control triggered numerous small to large (size 1-2) storm slab avalanches. On Wednesday explosive avalanche control near Kamloops triggered numerous small to large (size 1-2) storm slab avalanches. These were primarily on southeast aspects and up to 40 cm deep. Moving forward, treat the new snow with caution, especially in areas with more than 15 cm of accumulation.
Snowpack Summary
Between 15 to 40 cm of snow accumulated Thursday, combined with sustained southwest wind. Up to 80 cm of snow has accumulated over the last 7 days. All this snow sits on a hard melt-freeze crust.
A couple weak layers of surface hoar and/or faceted grains associated with a crust from late January and mid February may be found 80 to 100 cm deep.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear with increasing cloud. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with 1 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
New storm slabs have formed on all aspects and elevations. Expect to find new wind slabs on north aspect terrain near ridge crests.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2