Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Wind slabs may still be triggerable in steep terrain. Practice good travel habits and think about what's below you.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday several small dry loose avalanches were reported near Sun Peaks.
Snowpack Summary
Alpine terrain is wind-affected, while sheltered areas have settling snow from recent storms.
A layer of facets, surface hoar, and/or crusts buried in early December is 50-70 cm deep. No avalanches have been reported on this layer since December 19 and it's possible that the recent mild temperatures helped it bond to the rest of the snowpack.
The lower snowpack is strong and settled south of Highway 1, and potentially weaker and more faceted north of Highway 1.
Treeline snow depths vary from 90-150 cm.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with up to 1 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with up to 2 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with 2 cm of snow. 15 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
- The snowpack is generally stable; it may be appropriate to step out into more complex terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for reactive pockets around ridgecrest and steep rolls. Consider cross-loaded slopes as you move into more exposed and alpine-like features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5