North Columbia

Watch for slab formation at higher elevations, where winds may redistribute recent, low-density snow into reactive slabs.

No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

Observations remain limited this early in the season. If you head into the backcountry, please post to the Mountain Information Network

Small amounts of new snow are accumulating across many areas, burying a variety of surfaces. These include firm, wind-affected snow at higher elevations or exposed terrain. Settled powder, with a chance of surface hoar, has been buried at lower elevations or in wind-sheltered terrain.

A crust buried in early November exists approximately 50 to 100 cm below the surface, with a higher prevalence in the Selkirk Range or eastern areas of the forecast region.

The bottom of the snowpack contains several old, hard melt-freeze crusts from October.

Snow depths at treeline are roughly 80 to 150 cm, and decrease rapidly at lower elevations.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 0 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.