Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Esplanade, Goat, Gold, Jordan, Kokanee, North Columbia, North Okanagan, North Selkirk, Retallack, South Columbia, Valhalla, West Purcell, Whatshan.
Watch for small wind slabs developing on Sunday as winds increase. Early season conditions exist...but if the snow is deep enough to ride, it's deep enough to slide.
Confidence
No Rating
Avalanche Summary
On Friday loose dry 'sluffing' was observed in steep terrain.
A few natural size two wind slab avalanches have been reported in the past few days at higher elevations.
Observations are limited this time of year, please consider filling out a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Expect early season conditions with a shallower than average snowpack, at treeline depths are between 60-100 cm. Below treeline snowpack depths taper off quickly.
Previous southwest winds have pressed the surface or formed small wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. A sun crust can be found 10 to 30 cm below the surface on some steep south and west facing slopes. A layer of small surface hoar exists at this depth in sheltered terrain.
A crust with facets below exists 10 to 20 cm above the ground.
Check out this MIN for a great overview of conditions near Revelstoke.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy with northwest winds, 20-40 km/hr. No new snow.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected, northwest winds 20 to 40 km/h, strong gusts in the alpine. Treeline temperature -8°C.
Monday
Mostly clear skies with no new snow, northwesterly winds 10 to 30 km/h, possibly reaching 50km/hr in the afternoon, treeline temperature -13°C.
Tuesday
Mostly clear with westerly winds, 20-40km/hr. No new snow.
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.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be found at higher elevations, primarily in north and east facing terrain (although wind direction has varied throughout the region). New wind slabs may form through the day on Sunday, as snow is available for transport.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2