South Columbia

A touchy persistent slab problem demands respect. Use extra caution in your terrain selection.

Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Fairly benign weather is expected for the next couple of days ahead of the next storm due late Thursday. Overnight Monday: 5-10 cm snow; Tuesday/ Wednesday: flurries; Thursday: 10-20 cm. The freezing level drops from 1100 m to valley floor late on Tuesday. Moderate southerly winds become light by late Tuesday. For more details check out https://avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche activity has been widespread over the last few days as recent snow has reached a critical load above a volatile weak layer. Human and naturally-triggered avalanches in the size 1-2.5 range have been most prevalent below treeline, but have also occurred at treeline and alpine elevations. Wind slabs have also been reported in wind-exposed terrain. A ski tourer was buried last week, and professionals continue to operate with great caution. Continued human triggering of persistent slab avalanches is likely.

A 40-80 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human triggers and is especially touchy below treeline. Recently formed wind slabs also exist on lee features at alpine and treeline elevations. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.