North Columbia

Continually monitor local conditions. The likelihood and size of avalanches will increase through the day on Friday as more snow is expected.

A few size 1 wind slab and dry loose avalanches have been reported since last weekend, all in very steep terrain features.

Please consider posting a MIN if you are heading out in the backcountry!

Recent snowfall amounts range from roughly 10 to 15 cm, with an additional 5 to 15 cm expected on Friday. Westerly winds will likely redistribute new snow into deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations.

In many areas, especially at treeline and below, the new snow now overlies a layer of surface hoar.

The mid snowpack contains a supportive melt-freeze crust, roughly 40 to 60 cm below the surface.

The average snow depth at treeline ranges from 70 to 120 cm and decreases dramatically at lower elevations.

Thursday Night
Cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Friday
Cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

Saturday
Cloudy. 15 to 30 cm of snow, with the highest amounts expected in the Monashee range. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Sunday
Cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
• Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.