Avalanche forecast

South Okanagan

Mar 23 – 24, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

The new snow needs another day to settle and stabilize.

Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Storm slabs are expected to remain reactive on Monday due to strong winds, elevated freezing levels, and continued light precipitation.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Wet loose avalanches will be likely at lower elevations during periods of rain or when the snow surface is moist or wet.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, skiers near Silver Star ski cut a few small size 1 wind slabs.

On Thursday, skiers near Big White ski cut several small wind slabs on alpine northeast-facing slopes.

With more rain / snow and high freezing levels in the forecast, we expect storm slabs to remain reactive on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 40 cm of new snow in the region has built widespread new storm slabs at upper elevations. Due to southwesterly winds, these slabs are expected to be thickest and most reactive on wind-loaded north and east-facing slopes. High freezing levels may result in rain and moist or wet snow below 1800 m.

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

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow / possible rain below 1800 m. 50 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level around 2000 m.

Monday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow / possible rain below 1800 m. 30 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with up to 3 cm of snow / Possible rain below 2400 m. 30 to 45 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +5 °C. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.

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.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
  • Give the new snow several days to settle and stabilize before pushing into bigger terrain.
  • 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.

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