Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
If the sun comes out and the wind is calm, expect avalanche danger to rise rapidly.
Avoid being on or underneath slopes in the sun. High north slopes may hold dry snow.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, a few small storm slabs and wet loose avalanches were triggered with explosives near Vernon.
On the weekend, there were numerous small storm slabs triggered by riders.
As temperatures rise, wet avalanches are expected to occur and cornices may fall, especially when the sun comes out.
Snowpack Summary
As temperatures rise to above mountain top, the recent snow (around 40 cm) is expected to become moist and wet.
Otherwise, a melt-freeze crust is 40 to 70 cm deep from early march. Below that, two weak layers of surface hoar and/or faceted grains associated with crusts from late-January and mid-February may be found 70 to 120 cm deep.
The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud, with 2 mm of rain in the afternoon. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 6 °C. Freezing level 3000 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm/mm of snow or rain. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level falling to 1800 m by noon.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wet Slabs
Rising temperatures, rain, and sun contribute to wet slabs being possible. High elevation north facing terrain may hide dry snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are expected to occur, especially on slopes in the sun.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices may fail naturally during warm sunny weather.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5