North Columbia

Wind slabs may still be rider-triggerable today.

Riding in sheltered spots free from wind-loading will keep you in the best snow and reduce the chance of triggering a slab.

On Friday, there were reports of natural wind slabs up to size 2 in the alpine, mainly in the northern aspects. As well as an incident involving a cornice triggering a size 3 and a sympathetic size 2 near Revelstoke.

On Wednesday, there was a widespread avalanche cycle that tapered into Thursday. Natural and human-triggered avalanches were reported up to size 3.

40 to 50 cm of snow has fallen this week, with some areas in the Monashees receiving up to 70 cm. This soft snow is being redistributed by a west-southwest wind in the alpine and open treeline.

A surface hoar layer formed in early December is now buried 50 to 90 cm and is most prevalent between 1700 to 2200 m. So far, this layer hasn't been reactive, but it's worth keeping on your radar.

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
• Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.