South Okanagan

Flurries through the day Thursday combined with moderate to strong winds will promote wind slab formation. The north of the region will likely see more snow than the south.

A few size 1 explosives triggered wind slab avalanches were reported on Monday.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Moderate to strong southwest winds have likely redistributed 15-35 cm of recent snow that sits on a hard melt-freeze crust. A surface hoar layer may be found beneath the crust.

The middle and base of the snowpack may still be moist from the rain last week. Sugary facets near the base of the snowpack may still exist where the rain did not penetrate through.

Snowpack depths at treeline are approximately 50 to 80 cm. The snowpack tapers drastically below treeline.

Wednesday Night

Mostly overcast. Flurries with 2-5 cm accumulation. Moderate southwest and west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -7°C

Thursday

Mainly cloudy. Light snow with 2-7 cm accumulation. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5°C.

Friday

Mainly cloudy. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6°C.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.