Avalanche Forecast

On Saturday in the Big White backcountry, a small (size 1) human-triggered wind slab avalanche was reported on a north-facing slope around treeline. See photo for details.

On Friday near Kelowna and Nelson, a couple of small (size 1-1.5) human-triggered wind slab avalanches were reported on northeast aspects around treeline.

Recent snow and wind from all directions have formed wind slabs that have been reactive to human triggers. In areas that are sheltered from the wind, 10 to 20 cm of recent storm snow sits on a layer of small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals). The new snow and surface hoar sits on a thin sun crust in some places.

A thick rain crust from early February is now 30 to 40 cm below the snow surface and seems well-bonded at lower elevations.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, possibly clearer on the east side of the forecast area. No new snow expected. Light south or southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.

Monday

Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level at valley bottom overnight, rising to 1500 m through the day.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 1-2 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level at valley bottom overnight, rising to 1500 m through the day.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
• Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
• Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.