Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Clearwater, North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.
Watch for changing conditions through the day.
Intense spring sun and rising temperatures are making avalanches more likely.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo or two.
Snowpack Summary
Surface conditions include sun crusts on south facing slopes, wind-affected snow in exposed areas at higher elevations, and small amounts of settling snow in sheltered terrain. With sunny skies and rising freezing levels, expect to see more moist or wet snow on the surface as the day goes on.
A widespread crust is buried 40-90 cm deep, in some areas a weak layer of facets can be found above. However recent tests suggest this layer is gaining strength and avalanche activity is currently unlikely. No recent avalanche activity has been reported on this layer in this region.
The snowpack below this crust is strong and well bonded.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear. Light west or northwest ridgetop wind shifting to light west in the afternoon. Freezing level falling to 1300 m, treeline temperature -3 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. Light west ridgetop wind. Freezing levels rise to 2000 m, treeline high around 2 °C.
Friday
Sunny. Light to moderate northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rises to 2500 m overnight, 3000 m during the day. treeline high around 5 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. Freezing level rises to 3300 m. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Freezing levels are rising, and the spring sun packs a punch. Loose moist snow on the surface will get deeper through the day, increasing the chance of loose wet avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Pockets of reactive wind slab may be found near ridgelines. Winds have likely switched directions, so look for slabs on all aspects. Watch for visible wind transport, slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5