Avalanche Forecast
South Columbia
Be aware of snow conditions that change with elevation and from aspect to another. Small storm slabs may exist in the alpine while wet snow may become a concern at lower elevations with daytime warming.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Summary
Thursday there were reports of sloughs and small (size 1) loose, dry avalanches in steep terrain.
On Wednesday there were reports of both skier triggered and natural wind slab releases up to size 1.5, as well as a size 2 natural cornice failure all on on north aspects between 2000 - 2400 m.
Earlier in the week; a widespread natural avalanche cycle to size 3 was reported. These were primarily wet loose avalanches on sunny aspects.
Snowpack Summary
A light dusting of new snow (5-15 cm) covers a crust on all but high, north and east facing slopes that still have cold dry snow above a well-settled snowpack. Deeper persistent weak layers from January and December are generally considered dormant, but could wake up with a surface avalanche stepping down, cornice fall, or a human trigger in a shallow or variable-depth snowpack area. These layers consist of sun crust, surface hoar and/or facets.
Weather Forecast
TONIGHT: Light flurries. Accumulation trace. Ridge wind light, southeast. Alpine Temperature near -5. Freezing level 500 m.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Ridge wind light, northeast. Alpine Temperature near -4. Freezing level 1800 m.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, light flurries. Accumulation 5-10 cm. Ridge wind light, southwest. Alpine Temperature near -5. Freezing level 1500 m.
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy, light flurries. Accumulation trace. Ridge wind light to moderate, west. Alpine temperature near -6. Freezing level 1500 m.
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Watch for areas of wet snow especially on steep, sunny slopes and near rocky outcrops or gullies.