North Columbia

Watch for slab formation at higher elevations, where winds may redistribute recent, low-density snow into reactive slabs.

No avalanche activity has been reported since last weekend when various ski resorts in the region reported a few explosive-controlled avalanches.

Observations remain limited this early in the season. If you head into the backcountry, please post to the Mountain Information Network

Small amounts of new snow have accumulated across most areas, burying a variety of surfaces. These include firm, wind-affected snow at higher elevations or exposed terrain. In wind-sheltered terrain and at lower elevations, surface hoar crystals may exist below the new snow.

A crust buried in early November exists approximately 50 to 100 cm below the surface, with a higher prevalence in the forecast region's eastern areas, in the Selkirk mountains.

The bottom of the snowpack contains several old, hard melt-freeze crusts from October.

Snow depths at treeline are roughly 80 to 150 cm, and decrease rapidly at lower elevations.

Friday Night

Cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 0 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.