Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
While the snowpack is generally stable and conditions are great for riding, be mindful of wind slabs at higher elevations and loose snow avalanches on steep slopes unaffected by wind or sun.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche activity has been reported.
If you do head into the backcountry consider submitting a MIN post.
Snowpack Summary
Surface hoar growth continues, along with the faceting of the upper snowpack with cold, clear, and dry weather. Variable wind-affected surfaces exist in exposed terrain, while soft, low-density snow exists elsewhere.
The upper snowpack is largely faceted with a chance of weak surface hoar layers in terrain sheltered from wind and sun at treeline and below and various sun crusts on south-facing slopes.
The mid and lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear skies. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 1 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New and old wind slabs may remain reactive in steep, exposed terrain at higher elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2