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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 22nd, 2024–Dec 23rd, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: North Okanagan, Shuswap, South Okanagan.

Although wind slabs are expected to be small, minimize exposure to terrain traps where a small avalanche could have more serious consequences.

Keep using good travel habits this season

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday a size 1 naturally triggered wind slab was reported. Reports have been limited since Wednesdays storm - indicating that conditions have improved, but reactivity still exists in certain wind affected features.

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, but no observations suggest it is an issue in this region.

Treeline snow depths in the Okanagan region average 110 cm.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy with light snowfall, highest amounts reaching 7 cm near Kelowna. 40 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing levels remain below 1200 m except for reaching 1500 m near Vernon.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with flurries ending in the morning. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with flurries. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Wednesday

Clear start with increasing afternoon cloud. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °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.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New and more reactive wind slabs may be found, as new snowfall is expected Sunday night and throughout Monday. 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