Spring-like conditions in the alpine! Assess the upper snowpack for signs of instability as warm temperatures and sunny skies could destabilize the upper snowpack.
Even though it's December, steep solar aspects could produce loose wet avalanches with above freezing temperatures in the alpine. Keep an eye on daytime warming and remember that loose wet avalanches can step down to deeper instabilities.
A layer involving a crust and sugary facets exists 10 to 30 cm above the ground. This layer remains a concern and has recently produced some alarming, sudden planar test results in snow profiles. Although challenging to trigger yourself, a small loose wet avalanche could potentially scrub down to this layer, making for a bigger then expected avalanche.
No recent avalanches have been reported.
Keep sharing your observations by submitting a MIN report! They are especially helpful in the early season when snowpack information can be limited.
Surface: Generally remaining dry despite the high temperatures. Moist snow surfaces on southerly aspects.
Upper Snowpack: The upper snowpack is quickly settling into a cohesive slab with above freezing temperatures and sun.
Lower Snowpack: Various crusts near or on the ground. With a weak layer of facets and surface hoar buried in late November exists 10 to 30 cm above the ground.
Overall snow depths generally range from 100-140 cm in the alpine.
Wednesday night
Generally clear skies with no precipitation. Alpine temperatures remain above freezing overnight, with freezing levels above mountain tops. Light northerly winds in the alpine.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate northerly winds in the alpine. Freezing levels remain high, with highs around +5 C in the alpine.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate northerly winds in the alpine. High freezing levels persist, with highs around +5 C in the alpine.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with no precipitation. Light to moderate alpine winds. Freezing levels begin to drop, bringing below freezing temperatures to the alpine.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
