North Columbia

Strong winds and new snow will require cautious route finding and conservative decision making throughout the weekend.

Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain

FRIDAY: Snow beginning around mid-day with 10-15 cm snow by Saturday. / Strong westerly winds / Freezing level at valley bottom and rising to 1000 m. SATURDAY: Stormy with 5-10 cm snow / Moderate to strong westerly winds / Freezing level around 1000 m. SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy / Moderate northwesterly winds / Freezing level valley bottom.

No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday, however, there is currently very limited data for this region. Please report your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

In the alpine,10-15 cm of new snow has buried old wind slabs. A couple observers have reported small surface hoar forming over the past couple days which is now buried by the new snow. This layer's distribution is not expected to be widespread, though where it does exist, will be especially reactive with the new snow that is expected on Friday and Saturday. The mid-November crust is now down 80-150 cm. This layer has been may become active as the snow load increases. Below the crust the snowpack is generally well settled. Snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with an average of 130-200 cm at treeline elevations. Early season hazards such as stumps, rocks, and open creeks remain the primary hazards below treeline.