Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Watch for reactivity in wind affected features. Small amounts of snowfall bring potential for small but reactive slabs to form.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday a size 1 naturally triggered wind slab was reported, and explosive control on Sunday produced size 1 avalanches. Reactivity is expected to linger in specific, wind loaded features. but the expected size remains small.
Snowpack Summary
Alpine terrain is heavily wind-affected, while sheltered areas have around 30-50 cm of settling snow from recent storms.
A mix of rain and sun crusts exist beneath the recent snow with facets surrounding the crusts. Neighbouring regions have reported surface hoar at these interfaces and avalanches on this layer, but no observations suggest it is an issue in this region.
Treeline snow depths vary from 50-120 cm.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with flurries. 20 to 40 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Wednesday
Clear start with increasing afternoon cloud. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow, favouring the Kelowna area. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
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.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Avoid areas near ridgeline that feel "drum like" or hollow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5