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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 14th, 2022–Dec 15th, 2022
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
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.

Reverse loading from moderate to strong north winds continues to build potential wind slabs on unusual aspects. Watch for reactivity on all aspects around ridge lines.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, a MIN from the Sun Peaks area reported a size 1 skier accidental avalanche in sparse trees. The slab consists of the recent wind-affected storm snow and looked to be 30 cm deep.

Please submit a Mountain Information Network report if you are heading to the backcountry!

Snowpack Summary

20 - 30 cm of snow has been redistributed by southwest winds and has formed soft wind slabs in lees at higher elevations. As winds switch to the north watch for reverse loading and cross-loading in the surface slab. On south-facing slopes this snow sits on a sun crust and in sheltered terrain, it sits over a layer of weak surface hoar.

Buried 40 to 60cm deep, a layer of surface hoar, crust, and faceted crystals is a layer of concern. Observations are limited in this region but this layer has already produced avalanches in the neighboring regions.

Snowpack depths at upper treeline is around 80 - 100 cm.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy skies. Northerly ridge wind 20 - 40 km/hr. Alpine temperatures, high of -8. Freezing levels valley bottom.

Thursday

Partly cloudy skies. Northerly ridge winds 20-30 km/h gusting to 40 km/hr. Alpine temperatures, high of -6. Freezing levels valley bottom.

Friday

Partly cloudy skies. Northwesterly ridge winds 40-60 km/h gusting to 80 – 90 km/h. Possible alpine inversion, temperatures reach a high of -2. Freezing levels valley bottom.

Saturday

Cloudy skies. Light flurries, 2 cm accumulation. Northeasterly ridge winds 30-50 km/h gusting to 40.  Alpine temperatures, high of -6. Freezing levels valley bottom.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

20-30 cm of snow and varied wind directions have built winds on all aspects. Seek out wind-sheltered terrain where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2