North Columbia

Expect deeper and more reactive slabs in wind-loaded terrain features.

Storm slabs were reactive earlier in the week, with numerous natural, human- and remote-triggered avalanches up to size 2. On Wednesday, avalanche activity became more specific to wind-loaded features, with several naturals up to size 2.5 on north to east aspects in the alpine and upper treeline elevations.

30-50 cm of recent snow sits over a layer of facets formed during the early January cold snap. At upper elevations, the recent snow has seen some redistribution by wind. At lower elevations, a thin crust or moist snow may be found at the surface.

Old layers of surface hoar and crusts in the mid snowpack appear to be healing. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong and well bonded.

Thursday night

Mostly cloudy with 10 cm of new snow in areas near Highway 1. South alpine wind 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. Southwest alpine wind 30-40 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with flurries brining a few cm of new snow. South alpine wind 15-30 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1900 m.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. South alpine wind 20-40 km/h. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
• Caution around convexities or sharp changes in terrain.