Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Continue to assess steep slopes for stiff, cohesive slabs that may be poorly bonded to weak layers below.
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 weather. Variable wind-affected surfaces exist in exposed terrain, while low-density, dry snow exists elsewhere.
Buried at the end of January, roughly 20 to 40 cm deep, is a variety of potential weak layers of surface hoar, facets, and/or crusts. This layer is most likely preserved in areas sheltered from the wind at treeline elevations.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Clear skies. 20 to 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
- Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Various weak layers of surface hoar, facets, and/or crusts formed during dry January are now buried by roughly 20 to 40 cm of recent snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2