North Columbia

Expect the upper snowpack to deteriorate and become reactive with daytime warming and solar effects.

Isolated wind slabs may persist at high elevations where a surface crust does not exist.

No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

Despite the low danger rating, the likelihood of triggering an avalanche will increase throughout the day with warming and strong solar radiation expected.

Please consider submitting to the Mountain Information Network if you are getting out in the backcountry.

Recent snowfall has buried a variety of melt-freeze crusts, existing on all but north-facing alpine terrain.

Anticipate a weak, breakable surface crust to form overnight at lower elevations and south-facing terrain. North-facing terrain at the treeline and above should remain largely dry and powdery.

Surface snow will deteriorate and become moist throughout the day with daytime warming and strong solar effects.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy. 0 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level near valley bottoms.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 0 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Friday

Mostly sunny. 0 to 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
• Be alert to conditions that change throughout the day.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.