Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 15th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.
jpercival,
Avalanche Canada
Utilize small-scale features to assess how the new snow is bonding, before progressing to larger terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, near Nelson and east of Kelowna, numerous large (size 2) wind slab avalanches had been initiated utilizing explosives. Near the Nelson area, a large (size 2) skier-triggered avalanche on a southwest aspect occurred following a period of moderate north east winds.
A few wet loose avalanches were reported on Tuesday from slopes facing the sun.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 20 cm of recent snow combined with winds from all directions has transported this snow and formed wind slabs that have been reactive to skier triggering. 10 to 20 cm of recent storm snow sits on a layer of small surface hoar which may lurk in sheltered areas. In some places, the new snow and surface hoar sits on a thin sun crust.
A thick rain crust from early February is now buried 30 to 40 cm deep and seems well-bonded at lower elevations.
Crusts and facets in the mid and lower snowpack can still be found in isolated pockets.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Friday
Mostly clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Saturday
Mostly clear skies. 20 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C.
Sunday
Clear skies becoming cloudy in the afternoon. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Investigate the bond of the recent snow
- Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
Problems
Storm Slabs
May be more reactive on solar aspects where the new snow sits on a thin sun crust or in lee areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Expect newly formed windslab avalanches to be found just below ridge top and at the bottom of steep features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 16th, 2024 4:00PM
