Watch for wind effect in recent storm snow. Avoid wind-loaded features, especially around ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
Deeper weak layers remain a concern for step-down avalanches in wind-loaded terrain.
Strong southerly winds have redistributed 20 - 30 cm of new snow into deep pockets at higher elevations. Be especially cautious transitioning into wind-loaded terrain, more reactive deposits lurk in leeward features.
The winter snowpack is not as deep as usual, and along with a cold and dry early winter, the lower snowpack consists of weak, unconsolidated facets and depth hoar crystals. With weak basal layers, a cautious approach to large open terrain features is required especially around rocky or thin areas.
No notable recent avalanches have been reported, however poor weather and road closures have limited observations.
In neighboring regions, several natural wet loose avalanches were reported to size 2.5, and storm slab avalanches were reported to size 2. If you head into the backcountry you will likely see evidence of an avalanche cycle from the weekend.
Please continue to post your observations and photos to the Mountain Information Network.
By Tuesday morning 5 - 8 cm of additional snow brings storm snow totals to 20 - 30 cm. New snow has been redistributed by strong southerly winds into deeper pockets in the alpine. This weekend's warm temperatures and rain have impacted lower elevations, a melt-freeze crust has formed below 1400 m. The new snow covered a layer of weak and unconsolidated snow produced by the recent cold weather.
The winter snowpack is not as deep as usual, and along with a cold and dry early winter, the lower snowpack consists of weak, unconsolidated facets and depth hoar crystals. Snowpack depths average 50-200 cm at treeline.
Monday Night
Cloudy with scattered flurries start, 5-8 cm accumulation. Ridgeline low temperature -4 C. Southerly winds 30 km/hr. Freezing levels 600 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with scattered flurries, 5 cm accumulation. Ridgetop high temperature 0 C. Southerly wind 20 - 30 km/h weakening in the afternoon. Freezing levels rise to 1200m.
WednesdayCloudy with scattered flurries, trace accumulation. Ridgetop high temperature -2 C. Southwest wind 20 km/hr. Freezing level falling towards valley bottom.
ThursdayCloudy with scattered flurries, trace accumulation. Ridgetop high temperature -4 C. Southwest wind 20 km/hr. Freezing levels valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
