Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Continuously assess conditions and look for signs of instability as you move through terrain.
Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in the past couple days.
Snowpack Summary
Around 10 cm of new snow has buried a variety of layers including surface hoar in sheltered terrain, a crust on south and west facing slopes as well as old wind slab on exposed terrain. A new crust may be found on sun exposed terrain and all aspects below treeline.
Another layer of surface hoar is down around 20 cm in sheltered areas.
The widespread crust buried in early February is down 30 to 50 cm and has sugary facets on top.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 35 km/h west alpine wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 25 to 40 km/h west alpine wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 60 to 80 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Monday
Partly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully monitor the bond between the new snow and old surface.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
A crust from early February has produced avalanches in the region. This layer is problematic where facets overlie it.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Recent new snow has formed wind slabs at higher elevations.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5