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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 31st, 2024–Feb 1st, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Clearwater, North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.

Until cooler weather locks in the snowpack avalanche danger remains elevated, and poor riding quality will persist.

Human triggered avalanches are possible.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Natural wet loose and wet slab avalanches continue on all aspects and elevations up to size 1.5 on Tuesday. Several explosive-triggered wet slabs were reported up to size 1 from below treeline elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Wet snow exists in the upper snowpack to the mountain top. The snowpack has been trending isothermal below treeline.

A layer of facets formed during the mid January cold snap sits 30-50 cm deep. Another weak layer consisting of a crust and facets is down 50 to 100 cm.

Basal facets exist at the base of the snowpack. Snowpack depths at treeline average 100-140 cm.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy, isolated rain showers, treeline temperatures near 5°C, south alpine wind 20 gusting to 65 km/h, freezing level around 2200 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, light rain, southwest alpine wind 20 to 35 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.

Friday

Cloudy with wet snow 5-10 cm, treeline temperatures near 0°C, southerly alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, freezing levels near 1900 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud, treeline temperatures near -1°C, southwest alpine wind 10 to 25 km/h, freezing levels 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.

Avalanche Problems

Wet Slabs

Wet slab and wet loose avalanches are likely when the upper snowpack is saturated from rain and elevated freezing levels. They may be stepping down to buried weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5