South Columbia

It will take a few days for the most recent storm snow to settle and bond. A cautious approach is recommended.

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 5-10cm, light to moderate southwest winds, Alpine temperature -6FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -6SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, wind light southeast, alpine temperature -6More details can be found on the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Recent reports indicate several natural avalanches to size 2.5 and 3. These avalanches were occurring on all aspects in the alpine and are isolated to the most recent storm snow. I would expect that skier and rider triggered avalanches will remain likely as the storm snow gets a chance to settle and bond. There was an avalanche involvement in the North Columbia in a low elevation wind loaded pocket releasing on facets down 1 metre, resulting in a full burial. This is something to keep in mind while traveling through open areas below tree line. Click here to see the MIN post.

New storm slabs have developed due to loading from new snow and wind. These storm slabs are sitting on variable old surfaces including surface hoar and wind slabs that developed during the recent cold and clear weather along with a sun crust that formed on steep solar aspects. Below, the mid-December facet/surface hoar persistent weakness can be found buried 70-120 cm deep and is generally considered dormant. However, we are still receiving occasional reports of sudden results in snowpack tests, suggesting that it has to potential to propagate into a large avalanche if triggered. Particularly in shallow spots where this layer is closer to the snow surface. The lower snowpack is well bonded and features a thick rain crust near the ground.