Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Clearwater, North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Danger ratings have dropped but continue to assess conditions as you travel.
Expect to find small wind slabs near ridgelines.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the last 3 days.
Please submit a MIN report if you have travelled in the backcountry recently.
Snowpack Summary
Surface conditions include sun crusts on south facing slopes, wind-affected snow in exposed areas at higher elevations, and small amounts of settling snow in sheltered terrain.
A widespread crust is buried 40-90 cm deep, in some areas a weak layer of facets can be found above. However recent tests suggest this layer is gaining strength and avalanche activity is unlikely. No recent avalanche activity has been reported on this layer in this region.
The snowpack below this crust is strong and well bonded.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with isolated flurries. 20-40 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Freezing levels around 1500 m.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow possible. 20-30 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Freezing levels around 1500 m, treeline temperature -2 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly clear skies. 10-20 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Freezing levels around 1500 m, treeline temperature -2 °C.
Thursday
Clear skies. 10-20 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Freezing levels spike to 2500 m, treeline temperature -2 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of reactive wind slab may be found near ridgelines. Slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5