South Okanagan

Verify conditions as you travel.

Avalanche conditions are generally safe, but watch for small, isolated wind slabs near peaks and ridgetops.

High

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

A few small wind slabs (size 1) were triggered Monday on south and southeast aspects. Several small dry and wet loose avalanches were triggered in steep terrain on Monday and Tuesday.

Shaded slopes likely hold low-density powder, while southerly aspects likely have a sun crust. Wind slabs may be found in the lee of terrain features.

Convective flurries and wind over the past two weeks have created highly variable snow above the atmospheric river crust. Some areas are scoured down to the crust, while others have 20 to 40 cm of snow above the crust.

Beneath the crust, the snowpack is strong and well bonded.

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow at treeline, rain at lower elevations. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.
• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.