Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
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
Summary
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.
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2024 4:00PM
