Avalanche forecast

South Okanagan

Dec 17 – 18, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Buried weak layers are an unusual feature of the snowpack in this region.

Choose conservative terrain and avoid steep or large open slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Watch for fresh wind slabs at higher elevations where dry snow can be found. Wind slabs likely sit over a crust, increasing reactivity.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    While avalanche activity on this layer has decreased, persistent slab avalanches remain possible and are most likely to be triggered by large loads such as cornice falls.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported.

Avalanche activity on the November crust layer has decreased, persistent slabs remain possible and are most likely to be triggered by large loads.

Snowpack Summary

Roughly 10 cm of new snow redistributed by strong southwest wind may be found at at upper elevations.

A mid November melt–freeze crust with surface hoar and/or faceted grains lies 40–80 cm below the snow surface. Another crust and facet combination from late October can be found at the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy. 10 to 15 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline, . 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 2 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

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