South Columbia

There is a fair degree of uncertainty surrounding the snowpack. Check out the latest forecasters' blog here for more information and advice on managing current conditions.

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

MONDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / light northwest winds / alpine low temperature near -12TUESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate west winds / alpine high temperature near -10WEDNESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light east to northeast winds / alpine high temperature near -9, low temperature near -12THURSDAY - Sunny with cloudy periods / light southerly winds / alpine high temperature near -5, low temperature near -10

One size 1.5-2 skier triggered avalanche was reported to have run on the surface hoar layer at 2450 m on a northwest aspect.Several large, notable avalanches that were reported in the last 10 days in the region are listed below:On December 1 a natural size 3 slab avalanche was seen on Mt. Begbie (east to northeast aspect above 2000 m). It is likely that this avalanche was initiated by a large trigger such as a rock or cornice fall, and that it ran on the October crust.On November 29 an explosives triggered size 2.5 avalanche ran on the October crust on a north to northeast aspect at 2300 m.On November 24 a human triggered size 3 avalanche was reported in the region. This avalanche likely ran on the October crust, as it was reported as a full depth avalanche. Two reports on this avalanche can be found on the Mountain Information Network. MIN

40-80 cm of recent snow sits on two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) that are buried approximately 15-20 cm apart. These layers have both been associated with a sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. The surface hoar is mostly found at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. This crust is associated with weak, faceted (sugary) snow and has shown some reactivity in the region. This layer is most prominent in the alpine but may exist into upper treeline elevations as well.Snowpack depths taper quickly with elevation, many areas have over 200 cm in the alpine, between 100-170 cm at treeline, and 10-100 cm below treeline.