North Columbia

With limited field observations and a few buried weak layers, there is some uncertainty surrounding the snowpack.  Check out the latest forecasters' blog here for more information and advice on managing current conditions.

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

MONDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / light southwest winds / alpine low temperature near -12TUESDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods / light to moderate southwest winds / alpine high temperature near -10WEDNESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light east winds / alpine high temperature near -10, low temperature near -14THURSDAY - Sunny with cloudy periods / light southeast winds / alpine high temperature near -6, low temperature near -10

One size 1.5-2 skier triggered avalanche was reported to have run on the surface hoar layer at 2450 m on a northwest aspect.Although outside of the region, it is notable that three large avalanches have been reported recently in the South Columbia region. It is likely that they ran on the October crust as they were essentially full depth avalanches. One occurred naturally, one was human triggered and the other was triggered with explosives.We currently have very few observations from within this region. Please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

There may be some lingering wind slabs in the alpine, but the primary concern in the snowpack is a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This weak layer is down 30-80 cm and it is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas.At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. There have been no recent reports of reactivity on this layer in the North Columbia, however there has been some avalanche activity on this layer in the South Columbia region over the past 10 days. Steep, rocky terrain, with a shallow snowpack are the most likely areas to trigger this layer.Total snowpack depths vary greatly with elevation. Recent reports show depths of 120-230cm in the alpine, 90-180 cm at treeline and 10-120 cm below treeline.