South Columbia

Forecaster are working with very little information at this time. If you are riding in the back country, ride with caution, and perhaps dig a pit or two. Consider sharing your observations with others on the Mountain Information Network. MIN

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Arctic air has moved in from the north bringing clear skies and cooler than average temperatures. Strong northerly winds at ridge top are expected to continue through Thursday afternoon, and then back off to more moderate speedsby Friday, after which winds should diminish to lighter values. Above freezing temperatures in the alpine are forecast to begin Friday morning and continue into the weekend, but valley bottoms will remain well below freezing.

No recent report of avalanche activity in the forecast area, most likely owing to the fact that there are few professional members out in the back country at this time

Monday's storm snow fell on a variety of old surfaces including crust, surface hoar and old settled snow. Arctic air moving into the region has resulted in northerly winds which may have formed small wind slabs on south facing features near ridge top. Warm temps and strong solar input formed a crust on south facing features which can be found underneath Monday's storm snow. There are at least three surface hoar layers in the snowpack buried on: Nov. 5th, Nov. 11th and Nov. 23rd. The first two have been largely unreactive. Facets may exist just above the ground on shaded slopes in the alpine.