Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Columbia.
Confidence
Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain for the entire period
Weather Forecast
Sunday: Light N wind. Alpine temperature near -12. No snow.Monday: Moderate NW wind. Alpine temperature near -5. Light snow.Tuesday: Moderate NW wind. Alpine temperature near -3. No snow.
Avalanche Summary
A natural and human-triggered cycle of size 1-3 storm slabs occurred last week. Many were failing on buried surface hoar or facets. Natural activity has decreased, but human-triggering remains a concern.
Snowpack Summary
50-90 cm of recent snow is settling over old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but where it exists, it may still be touchy. Many operators are cautiously optimistic that it is showing an improved bond. Recent winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 5
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 5