South Columbia

Isolated wind slabs may still be reactive in the alpine. Use caution as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Moderate

• We are uncertain due to the timing, track, and intensity of the incoming weather system.

Several natural wet loose avalanches were reported on Saturday up to size 2. The wet avalanche danger will decrease as freezing levels lower and colder temperatures return.

True north aspects in the alpine remain the only areas holding dry snow with moist conditions at treeline and wet snow below. The moist snow will likely form a supportive crust by Tuesday morning at all elevations on solar aspects and between 2000 and 2500 m on polar aspects.

Below the surface crust, the snowpack consists of 10 to 20 cm of moist snow over a series of melt-freeze crusts. The melt-freeze crust from mid-March is widespread, found 20 to 90 cm below the surface depending on elevation and location.

The lower snowpack is strong and well-bonded.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.