South Columbia

The chance of triggering a persistent slab has decreased, but the consequences would be high.

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

A series of fronts will bring between 10-20 cm of new snow to the southern interior Sunday and Monday before a ridge builds Tuesday with a return to dry conditions.  Winds should be light from the southwest to west.  Freezing levels will remain at valley bottom.

There was a widespread avalanche cycle earlier in the week in response to the warm storm. Natural activity has now eased, but explosives were able to trigger several large slabs (some failing sympathetically with each other) up to size 3 on the January surface hoar layer on Thursday around 2200 m.

New snow overlies variable crusts exist at most elevations, ranging from breakable to supportive. Generally small surface hoar sits on this crust. At the highest elevations, you might find some wind-affected snow and cornices. The mid-January surface hoar remains a concern and can be found down between 30 and 80 cm. In some locations it has reportedly gained quite a bit of strength, but in other spots it still produces sudden (pops) results in snowpack tests. The mid-December surface hoar layer is now 80 to 140cm below the surface and has become unlikely to trigger (but still has the potential for a large avalanche if triggered).