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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 5th, 2024–Mar 6th, 2024
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.

Look for signs of instability and assess for wind slabs. Small avalanches could step down to weak layers deeper in the snowpack.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Reports from this region have been limited, with a size 1 human-triggered wind slab reported on an east aspect on Monday, and an explosive-triggered size 1.5 storm slab reported on Saturday. However, neighboring regions have reported numerous large to very large natural and human-triggered persistent slab avalanches. Although not as large or likely, triggering persistent slabs is a concern in this region too.

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions include a dusting of new snow, sun crust on south aspects, and wind-affected snow in the alpine.

A widespread crust that formed in early February is buried roughly 40 to 80 cm deep, possibly with a weak layer of facets above it. In neighbouring regions, this layer has produced many large and concerning avalanches over the past week.

The snowpack below this crust is strong and bonded.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Clear skies. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Wednesday

Sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Thursday

Sunny. 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are possible to trigger on steep open terrain features, especially below ridgelines.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Given their widespread distribution across the province, persistent slabs may exist in parts of this region too. The slab sits on a 40 to 80 cm deep layer of facets on a crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 2.5