Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
The incoming storm is driving the avalanche danger. Reactive storm slabs will build throughout the day.
It's time to step back. Check out the new Forecaster Blog "Shifting your Mindset"
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday.
Natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
15 to 25 cm of snow is forecast by Friday afternoon. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to the old snow surfaces. These consist of a thick melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar and/or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain at ridgelines.
The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled. Treeline snowpack depths average 100-150 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with snow 10 to 15 cm. 20 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with snow 5 to 10 cm. 15 gusting to 45 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
New snow 5 cm. 15 gusting to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with flurries. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
The new snow will have a poor bond to the underlying snow surfaces and reactive storm slabs may build through the day. Northeast aspects will likely see deeper slabs with wind loading.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2