Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Esplanade, Goat, Gold, Jordan, Kokanee, North Columbia, North Okanagan, North Selkirk, Retallack, South Columbia, Valhalla, West Purcell, Whatshan.
It's early season conditions with a thinner than usual snowpack. Watch for hazards under the snow like rocks and stumps - and avoid freshly wind loaded slopes around ridgeline.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday loose dry 'sluffing' was observed in steep terrain.
A few natural size two wind slab avalanches have been reported in the last week at higher elevations.
Observations are limited this time of year, please consider filling out a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Expect early season conditions with a shallower than average snowpack, at treeline depths are between 60-100 cm. Below treeline snowpack depths taper off quickly.
Previous southwest winds have pressed the surface or formed small wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. A sun crust can be on the surface and 10 - 30 cm deep on some steep south and west facing slopes. A layer of small surface hoar exists at this depth in sheltered terrain.
A crust with facets below exists 10 to 20 cm above the ground.
Check out this MIN for a great overview of conditions near Revelstoke.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy overnight with no snowfall expected. Westerly winds, 20-30 km/hr.
Monday
Skies gradually clear over the day. No snowfall expected. Westerly winds, 20-40 km/hr. Treeline temperatures reach -8 °C.
Tuesday
Clear skies with 20-30km/hr southwest winds. No snowfall. Treeline temperatures start cold, at around -12 and reach -6 °C by afternoon.
Wednesday
Mostly clear skies with 20-30km/hr northwest winds. No snowfall. Treeline temperatures around -9 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs may be found at higher elevations, primarily in north and east facing terrain (although wind direction has varied throughout the region).
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2