Watch for stiff, wind-loaded snow in open terrain and below ridge crests.
The best riding will be in sheltered terrain at upper elevations, the biggest challenge will be getting to it.
Strong winds will impact loose snow in open treeline features and at higher elevations. Watch for stiff, wind-loaded snow on ribs and gullies, especially where it sits over a weak, sugary layer near the base of the snowpack.
No new avalanches reported. If you are out and about in the mountains, please consider posting your observations to the MIN.
Isolated flurries and wind have produced a variable snowpack. At upper elevations, winds have exposed rocks and left dense wind slabs in open terrain; softer snow is found in sheltered and lower elevation locations. This overlies a crust that formed in mid-November, buried 30-50 cm deep. The lower snowpack consists of multiple crusts, and in some areas, a layer of weak, sugary facets can be found near the ground.
Total snowpack depths range from 30 to 100 cm, tapering quickly at lower elevations.
In many areas, especially below treeline, there is not enough snow to smooth out surface roughness or reach the threshold needed for avalanches.
Saturday night
Cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 3 cm snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds with isolated flurries, up to 3 cm snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Monday
Cloudy with flurries. 1 to 4 cm snow. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, 5 to 10 cm wet snow turning to rain at lower elevations. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
