Continue to assess for wind slab as you move through terrain. Wind slabs could be found on all exposed terrain at treeline and above. As the cold temps settle in be sure to increase your margin for safety.
Easterly winds may form fresh wind slabs on south and west-facing slopes that are typically more windward. Use caution on all aspects as cross loaded features could be found on all exposed terrain.
Over the past couple days small wind slab avalanches have been reported in the region as a result of the strong outflow winds. These avalanches have been on exposed treeline and alpine slopes including cross loaded slopes.
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Snowpack and avalanche observation data are currently very limited in this region. If you head out in the backcountry, please consider posting your observations to the MIN. (Mountain Information Network)
Over the past few days strong outflow winds have scoured easterly slopes and created wind slab on west and south slopes.
A layer buried in mid November can be found down around 70cm. This layer consists of a crust below ~1200m and a layer of surface hoar above this elevation.
The depth of the snowpack at treeline varies widely from 100-200 cm and tapers rapidly below treeline. Many early-season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks exist below treeline.
Wednesday night
Moderate to strong outflow winds continue with temperatures at 1500m around -17. No new snow expected.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with no new snow expected. Strong outflow winds in the morning and easing to light in the afternoon. Temperatures at 1500m around -14.
Friday
Strong outflow winds returning to the region mid day. Mostly sunny with temperatures at 1500m around -18.
Saturday
Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Moderate northeast winds and the possibility of a temperature inversion.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
