Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

An approaching pacific frontal system will bring light -moderate precipitation to the region through Tuesday. Snow amounts 10-15cms in Northern part of the region. With up to 10cms further South. Ridgetop winds will be 35-55km/hr from the SW. Freezing levels may rise to 1000m during the day then fall back to valley bottom. Wednesday: Snow amounts near 10cms. Ridgetop winds 45-55km/hr from the SW. Freezing levels could rise to 2300m. Thursday: Snow amounts up to 10cms. Strong ridgetop winds from the SW. Freezing levels should fall to valley bottom.

Continued activity on the mid-December surface hoar/facet/crust layer has been reported. Avalanches that are failing on this layer are large-very large (sz 2-3.5). As the natural activity has somewhat tapered off, the sensitivity to skier, or sledder triggers are likely. Remote triggering (setting off avalanches from afar) continues to be reported. It's also significant that avalanches failing on this layer are being reported in areas users often consider safe, such as moderately angled slopes near treeline.

The South Columbia region has received up to 120cms of storm snow over the Christmas holiday. The ridgetop winds have consistently blown from W-SW and have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs. Wind slabs are widespread and found in exposed alpine and treeline locations. In sheltered locations at treeline and below treeline new surface hoar is forming and as large as 10mm. This may be our next weak layer once buried. Below the surface 80-120cms lurks a surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weakness aka PWL) from mid-December. This weak layer has been very reactive; producing large, destructive avalanches. It still remains a layer of concern and should continue to be on your radar. Below this layer sits a strong mid pack.