North Columbia

Storm snow may not bond well to underlying crusts and surface hoar. It is a good day to dial back your terrain choices.

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with scattered flurries, snow accumulation of 5 cm, moderate to strong winds from south, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level at 900 m.SATURDAY: Periods of snow, accumulation ranging from 5 to 10 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level at 1300 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, light to moderate west winds, alpine temperature -8C, freezing level at 900 m.MONDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, light to moderate winds from west, alpine temperature -10 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

A few natural and skier-triggered wind slabs avalanches size 1.5 to 2 were reported Tuesday on steep north and northeast slopes in the alpine and at treeline.

Snowfalls continuing overnight Friday and Saturday will lead up to a total of 15 to 25 cm.  This new snow is accumulating over a variety of surfaces including a sun crust on solar aspects at treeline and above, faceted dry snow on north aspects and surface hoar up to 15-20 mm developed in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation.  Wind slabs are also developing on north aspects in the alpine and at treeline.The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.