Observations are limited and early-season hazards are abundant.
Take a conservative approach and keep in mind that cold temperatures increase the consequence of any accident or injury.
Strong easterly winds have redistributed recent storm snow into stiff wind slabs in a reverse-loading pattern. Expect to find slabs at lower elevations and lower down on slopes than you might typically expect.
Reports of recent avalanches have been limited to a couple small, human-triggered slabs on cutbacks.
We expect that strong easterly winds on Friday will have formed stiff wind slabs at all elevations.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network)
50 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by strong easterly winds at all elevations.
Below this, facets or surface hoar may overly a crust buried in early November.
At the north end of the forecast area, expect to find weak, sugary depth hoar close to the ground.
Treeline snowpack depths are around 100 cm.
In most places below treeline, ground roughness is still visible, and the snow depth is likely below the threshold for avalanches.
Friday Night
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow expected. 50 to 80 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with light snowfall. 40 to 80 km/h east ridge top winds. Treeline temperature -22 °C.
Sunday
Mainly cloudy with light snowfall. 30 to 60 km/h northeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
