Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cariboos, Clearwater, North Okanagan, Quesnel, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Choose conservative terrain.
Wet loose avalanches are likely to be widespread and increasing in size throughout the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Over the past week, we've seen numerous avalanches on the mid January facet layer detailed in the snowpack summary. Most recent activity has been rider or explosive triggered in wind-loaded terrain features, up to size 2.5. This activity is expected to continue with elevated freezing levels.
Snowpack Summary
Light snowfall continues to accumulate in the alpine and be redistributed by southerly winds. Elevated freezing levels and rain have moistened the surface at treeline and below.
A layer of facets formed during the mid January cold snap sits 30-50 cm deep. This layer has been actively producing avalanches and is expected to continue as it is stressed by the new load.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong and well bonded.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with light rain expected, south alpine wind 25 to 45km/h, freezing level around 1800 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with light rain expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, freezing level rising to around 3000 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of snow in the alpine, south alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, freezing level around 2700 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of snow in the alpine, south alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, freezing level around 2400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches will become increasingly likely as the upper snowpack becomes wet due to elevated freezing levels.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely - Certain
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
30-50 cm of snow sits over a weak layer of facets. This layer is expected to become increasingly reactive with warming temperatures.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5