North Columbia

Moderate southerly winds may create small wind slabs that are possible to trigger in steep, convex terrain below ridgetops.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear, moderate south wind, alpine temperature -13 C, freezing level below valley bottom.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 1100 m.

SATURDAY: 5-15 cm snow, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -9 C, freezing level 1000 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm., light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -11 C, freezing level 700 m.

A couple small (size 1) skier triggered wind slabs were reported on northeast and east aspects on Wednesday. Several natural and skier triggered slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported on primarily east/southeast aspects at treeline and above on Tuesday. 

30-60 cm of recent storm snow is gradually settling and gaining strength, but has shown some isolated signs of reactivity on wind loaded slopes, steep convexities in sheltered terrain (where the snow sits above small surface hoar or sun crusts), and steep gully features at low elevations (where the snow may be poorly bonded to the early February rain crust). These interfaces are unlikely to develop into a persistent problem, but for the next few days storm slabs could remain reactive on these isolated terrain features. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.