Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Dogtooth, Goat, Gold, North Okanagan, Retallack, Shuswap, South Columbia, South Okanagan, Valhalla, West Purcell, Whatshan.
Lingering wind slabs may be reactive in leeward terrain features. Monitor surface conditions as you travel, especially as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
One large slab avalanche (size 2.5) was seen from a steep south aspect. Reports suggest it was several days old.
Wind slabs continue to linger in the region, with reports indicating they are stubborn to rider triggering.
Observations remain limited this early in the season. If you head into the backcountry, please post to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Surface conditions vary from wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain at higher elevations, and settling snow in sheltered areas that may include a layer of surface hoar buried 5 to 10 cm deep. Warmer temperatures will likely affect the surface snow and produce a crust overnight.
The mid snowpack is generally well settled, with an early November crust buried 50 to 100 cm deep. This layer is understood to be more notable in the Selkirk Mountains.
Snow depths at treeline are roughly 80 to 150 cm, and decrease rapidly at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. 15 to 40 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -5 °C with an above-freezing layer bringing the alpine temperatures to 0 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. The above-freezing layer brings alpine temperatures around +1 °C. Treeline temperatures near -2 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with isolated flurries possible for the Cariboos. Sunnier skies further south. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. The above-freezing layer brings alpine temperatures around +2 °C. Treeline temperatures near -1 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. New snow 5 cm. 15 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures near -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Look for wind affected snow around ridgelines. The most reactive slabs will likely be found on east and north facing slopes, however older and more stubborn slabs may linger on west facing slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2