Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, South Okanagan.
Avoid north-facing, alpine slopes where triggering persistent weak layers is most likely.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported since Monday.
On Monday, near Kamloops, a natural size 2 glide slab avalanche was reported on a southwest-facing slope at 1500 m.
On Saturday, a rider triggered size 2, persistent slab avalanche was reported. This avalanche occurred on a west facing slope at 2000 m. See MIN for details.
Snowpack Summary
5 to 10 cm of snow covers a melt-freeze crust. The crust exists on all aspects, except possibly high-elevation north-facing slopes. This overlies 30 to 60 cm of snow that sits above a crust in many areas, or surface hoar/facets in wind-sheltered areas.
A weak layer, buried in late January, consists of surface hoar/facets or a crust is found down 50 to 90 cm. This remains a lingering concern. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly clear skies. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.
Saturday
Cloudy. 15 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
This is a low probability, high consequence situation. Choose conservative terrain free from terrain traps.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5