Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Verify conditions as you move through terrain.
Small wind slabs are present in the alpine and wet loose avalanches will be likely on steep, sun-affected slopes.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, several explosive triggered small (size 1) wind slab avalanches where reported near Kelowna.
NOTE: Observations in this region are currently very limited.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of recent snow overlies a 10 to 15 cm crust. On solar aspects, a crust exists on the surface. Beneath this is a moist upper snowpack.
The mid/lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Clear. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level rising to 3000 m.
Sunday
Sunny with late afternoon cloud cover. 15 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6 °C. Freezing level 3000 m.
Monday
Cloudy with snow and rain 5 to 10 cm. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Small wet loose avalanches are likely on steep slopes during periods of warming and strong sun.
Aspects: South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs exist in the alpine and are most likely to trigger where they overlie a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5