Avalanche forecast

South Okanagan

Feb 25 – 26, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Continuously assess conditions and look for signs of instability as you move through terrain.

Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Recent new snow has formed wind slabs at higher elevations. Avoid wind loaded areas.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–2.5

    A crust from early February has produced avalanches in the region. This layer is problematic where facets overlie it.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in the past couple of days.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20 cm of new snow has buried a variety of layers including surface hoar in sheltered terrain, a crust on south and west facing slopes as well as old wind slab on exposed terrain. A new crust may be found on sun exposed terrain and all aspects below treeline.

Another layer of surface hoar is down around 30 cm in sheltered areas.

The widespread crust buried in early February is down 40 to 60 cm and has sugary facets on top.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 35 to 45 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 35 to 55 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Monday

Partly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 10 to 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow, clearing during the day. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully monitor the bond between the new snow and old surface.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

Regions covered