South Columbia

Slab avalanches in steep terrain are still likely following the recent large storm, especially in wind-affected terrain. Conservative terrain choices are recommended.

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain

SATURDAY: Flurries with accumulations of 5-10 cm, light southwest winds, alpine temperatures around -9.SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -13.MONDAY: Sunny, light east winds, alpine temperatures around -20.

Widespread storm slab activity was reported on Friday including natural and explosive triggered avalanches typically in the size 2-2.5 range. Expect storm slab activity to continue into the weekend and be extra touchy in wind affected terrain.

Between 50 and 90 cm of new low density snow has fallen over the past week, with the greatest accumulations in the Monashees. Shifting winds with moderate speeds are forming touchy storm slabs in exposed high elevation terrain. The mid-December interface can be found buried 70-120 cm deep and consists of faceted (sugary) crystals or surface hoar. This layer appears to be well bonded in many parts of the region, but has been reactive in snowpack tests in the southeast part of the region where a slab overlies preserved surface hoar. The lower snowpack is well consolidated and features a thick rain crust near the ground.