A big storm recently added a significant load to a buried weak layer. Resist the urge to push into bigger terrain as human triggered avalanches remain likely. Choose conservative terrain and avoid overhead exposure to avalanche terrain.
A couple of weak layers formed in late November and early December are now over 100 cm below the surface. This layer may present as surface hoar, a crust, facets or a combination of those, depending on elevation and aspect.
Storm slabs are widespread and human triggering remains likely in most areas.
SUNDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / light northeast wind / alpine low temperature near -7
MONDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6
TUESDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / southeast wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -10
WEDNESDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -12
The likelihood of avalanches will remain elevated on Monday, and avalanches have the potential to be very large.
On Saturday, there were numerous reports of natural, human and explosives triggered avalanches up to size 3.5. A number of these were triggered remotely.
There were numerous reports of natural, human and explosives triggered avalanches up to size 3.5 on Friday.
There were numerous reports on Thursday of natural, explosives and human triggered avalanches up to size 3. Many of these were triggered remotely.
The North Columbias received upwards of 80 cm between Thursday night and Saturday night. Storm slabs are likely widespread and may still be reactive to human triggers.
There is anywhere from 100-160 cm of snow on top of a widespread layer of large, feathery surface hoar crystals. This layer has reportedly been responsible for numerous recent avalanches and may be reactive to human triggers.
A weak layer that formed in late November is now over 170 cm deep. This is the layer of concern relating to the persistent slab avalanche problem. The weak layer may present as surface hoar, a crust, facets or a combination, depending on elevation and aspect.
