Avalanche forecast

Shuswap

Jan 4 – 5, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Consequences could be severe if a persistent weak layer is triggered. Stay disciplined and make conservative terrain choices.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    Multiple weak layers persist deep in the snowpack. Two of these layers are the primary concern and have produced large avalanches in neighboring regions. A layer buried in late December is down roughly 30 to 50 cm from the surface and consists of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust. While a layer near the bottom of snowpack buried in November generally consists of large, weak facets.

    Although widespread, both layers appear to be most reactive around treeline and lower alpine elevations, in terrain with shallow, variable snow depths.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported in the region. However, there have been several recent reports of large human-triggered avalanches in neighboring regions.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 50 cm of snow continues to settle and bond over top of a weak layer buried just before Christmas. The lower snowpack is generally weak and facetted, with a weak layer buried in November, consisting of large, weak facets near the bottom of the snowpack.

Snowpack depth is roughly 150 cm at treeline.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night

Cloudy with no precipitation. Light south winds. -10 C at treeline.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation. Light southeast winds. -10 C at treeline.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud, with flurries. Light to moderate southeast winds. -5 to -10 C at treeline.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries. Moderate southerly winds. -5 to -10 C at treeline.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
  • Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.

Regions covered