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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 13th, 2023–Dec 14th, 2023
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.

Flurries through the day Thursday combined with moderate to strong winds will promote wind slab formation. The north of the region will likely see more snow than the south.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

A few size 1 explosives triggered wind slab avalanches were reported on Monday.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong southwest winds have likely redistributed 15-35 cm of recent snow that sits on a hard melt-freeze crust. A surface hoar layer may be found beneath the crust.

The middle and base of the snowpack may still be moist from the rain last week. Sugary facets near the base of the snowpack may still exist where the rain did not penetrate through.

Snowpack depths at treeline are approximately 50 to 80 cm. The snowpack tapers drastically below treeline.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly overcast. Flurries with 2-5 cm accumulation. Moderate southwest and west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -7°C

Thursday

Mainly cloudy. Light snow with 2-7 cm accumulation. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5°C.

Friday

Mainly cloudy. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6°C.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5°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.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow may be reactive where wind has loaded deeper deposits over a crust.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2