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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 20th, 2024–Dec 21st, 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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.

Practice good travel habits and seek out terrain sheltered from the wind.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous storm and wind slab avalanches were reported in the Okanagan on Wednesday and Thursday. Rider-triggered avalanches were small and explosive-triggered slabs were large, size 2 to 3.

While we suspect these slabs are stabilizing, uncertainty remains due to forecast snow and wind, as well as limited information about the snowpack across the region.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine terrain is heavily wind-affected, while sheltered areas have 30 to 40 cm of settling snow from Wednesday's storm.

A mix of rain and sun crusts is present beneath the recent snow, with reports of isolated surface hoar at these depths in neighbouring regions. Limited observations suggest good bonding, but uncertainty remains about how these layers may affect storm slab reactivity.

Treeline snow depths in the Okanagan region average 100 cm.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with up to 1 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 3 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow ending in the morning. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with up to 5 cm of snow ending in the morning. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are 30 to 40 cm thick, and thicker on wind-loaded slopes. There is uncertainty about their reactivity.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2