Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Manage your terrain choices during period of sun and warming temperatures.
Expect the chance of triggering an avalanche to increase on solar aspects.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday near Kelowna, explosive control triggered 2 large (size 2) wind slab avalanches. These avalanche crown depths where near 30 cm and just below the ridge crest. On Thursday near both Kelowna and Vernon, explosive avalanche control triggered numerous small to large (size 1-2) storm slab avalanches. Continue treating the new snow with caution, especially in areas with more than 20 cm of accumulation.
Snowpack Summary
Between 15 to 40 cm of snow accumulated Thursday, combined with sustained southwest wind. Up to 60 cm of snow has accumulated over the last 7 days. All this snow sits on a hard melt-freeze crust.
A couple weak layers of surface hoar and/or faceted grains associated with a crust from late January and mid February may be found 80 to 100 cm deep.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Sunday night
Cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwesy ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs are beginning to bond. New wind slabs have formed on north aspect terrain near ridge crests. Expect during periods of clearing and sun that the upper snowpack will rapidly settle, increasing the chances of human triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2