Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Use caution in treeline and alpine areas sheltered from the wind, as a preserved weak layer may remain reactive.
Careful sluff management is key, especially when terrain traps are present.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, a few small natural and human-triggered dry loose avalanches were reported in steep northeast facing terrain. See this great MIN for details!
We expect unconsolidated snow will remain reactive to rider traffic in steep terrain. Carefully manage sluffing and minimize exposure to overhead hazards wherever possible.
Snowpack Summary
25 to 50 cm of storm snow from last week is beginning to facet. Deeper deposits can be found on north and east slopes in wind-loaded areas. This storm snow has not bonded well to the old snow surfaces, which includes melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at ridgelines.
A weak layer of surface hoar or facets is buried, 20 to 35 cm deep. This layer is most likely to be preserved in areas sheltered from the wind at treeline elevations.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded. Treeline snow depths average 150 to 200 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mainly clear. 5 to 15 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Saturday
Mainly sunny. 5 to 15 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Sunday
Mainly sunny. 10 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of surface hoar/facets or a crust exists 20 to 35 cm down. This layer may be reactive to human-triggering where a slab has developed above it. Watch for signs of instability: whumphing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Dry
When initiated in steep terrain, expect, new light and dry snow to gain enough mass to push you into hazardous terrain traps.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5