Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Goat, Gold, North Okanagan, Retallack, South Columbia, South Okanagan, Valhalla, West Purcell, Whatshan.
Observations are limited and early-season hazards are abundant.
Take a conservative approach and watch for signs of instability as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days, but field observations remain very limited.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by posting to the Mountain Information Network! ðŸ™
Snowpack Summary
Light snowfall will accumulate atop wind-affected surfaces in open areas and 20 to 30 cm of settling snow in sheltered areas.
A weak layer consisting of a crust, facets, or surface hoar is buried 30 to 70 cm below the surface. Observations are limited at this time of year and the geographical extent of this weak layer is still uncertain.
Treeline snowpack depth is around 120 to 160 cm.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Partially cloudy with isolated flurries. 5 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature drops to -10 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. 5 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature - 8°C.
Monday
Cloudy with light snowfall, up to 5 cm of accumulation. 5 to 15 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with light flurries. 15 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °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.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent variable winds have formed wind slabs in open areas at treeline and above.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2