Although the frequency of natural avalanches has gone down recently, the possibility of triggering a large, destructive avalanche is still very real. See the
Forecasters Blog for more insight into this tricky situation.
Weather Forecast
The current ridge of high pressure will break down allowing for a series of pacific frontal systems to bring snowfall to the region for the forecast period.Sunday: Overcast skies and light snowfall / Light southeast winds / Freezing level at surfaceMonday: Moderate snowfall / Moderate to strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mSunday: Moderate snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1200m
Avalanche Summary
In recent days, solar warming contributed to some loose wet avalanche activity on sun-exposed slopes which, in turn, triggered slab avalanches to size 2. On Friday a skier remotely triggered a size 2 slab avalanche on a northwest facing alpine slope just north of the region. The February 10th interface was the culprit in this event. This activity suggests the February 10th interface may still be touchy in some areas of the South Columbia Region as well.
Snowpack Summary
Snow surfaces include well-settled powder, surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on solar aspects. Recent variable winds have also created wind pressing in exposed terrain, and thin wind slabs may be found in some alpine features.The big news remains a mix of weak surfaces which were buried on February 10th. This persistent interface lies between 70 and 120cm below the surface, and includes surface hoar, well developed facets and a mix of hard surfaces which remain widespread at all aspects and elevations. Although avalanche activity has tapered-off at this interface, destructive avalanches are still a very real concern with ongoing reports of remote-triggering and sudden snowpack test results. This low probability/high consequence scenario is tricky to manage as the warning signs may not be obvious. It's all about terrain choice. Put the odds in your favour by avoiding steep, unsupported slopes, areas with a thin or variable snowpack, or terrain with a significant overhead hazardFor the most part, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well consolidated.