North Columbia

Warm, windy and (hopefully) snowy! The storm has arrived and forecast freezing levels and snowfall amounts are uncertain. Expect the hazard to increase during the day in areas experiencing heavy snowfall, above freezing temperatures or high winds.

Low - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Significant snowfall amounts, rising freezing levels and moderate to strong winds are forecast to arrive Sunday night and continue into Tuesday. Forecast snowfall amounts vary throughout the region, with higher amounts predicted for the Monashees.SUNDAY NIGHT - Flurries, 5-10 cm / moderate southerly winds / freezing level 1000mMONDAY - Snow, 5-30 cm / moderate to strong southerly winds / freezing level 1500-2000mTUESDAY - Flurries, 5-20cm / moderate southerly winds / freezing level 1500mWEDNESDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, up to 5 cm / light to moderate southerly winds / freezing level 1500m

There have been no new avalanches reported in the North Columbia, however a size 3 human triggered avalanche that likely ran on the October crust was reported on Saturday, November 24 in the South Columbia region. The avalanche reportedly occurred on a northwest aspect, on a lee feature in the alpine. The full report can be found on the Mountain Information network. Click here to read the report

5-10 cm of snow overnight on Sunday night brings the recent storm snow amounts to 20-45 cm. This snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The surface hoar is reportedly widespread at treeline and below; it is more sporadic in the alpine, however it may be found in wind sheltered areas. New snow, wind and warm temperatures throughout the day will increase the likelihood of triggering this layer. At the base of the snowpack there is a crust that formed in late October. There have been no reports of reactivity on this layer in the North Columbia region, however with strong winds and rising freezing levels, this layer could come into play during this storm. Storm slab avalanches may have the potential to trigger avalanches on this deeper layer.Total snowpack depths vary greatly with elevation. Recent reports show depths of 120-210cm in the alpine, 80-150 cm at treeline and 10-120 cm below treeline.