New snow is on the way!
Be cautious in places where new snow is being blown into lee features, and forming wind slabs.
Consistent light snowfall and moderate south to southwest winds may be creating reactive wind slab on leeward and cross-loaded slopes.
Retreat to mellower terrain if you find signs of instability like shooting cracks.
No new avalanches have been reported.
In general, observations are limited this time of year. Be sure to verify conditions as you go.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN.
Expect to find soft snow in sheltered areas, and wind slab on leeward slopes due to moderate to strong west or southwest wind. Recent light rain around highway elevation has made things a little soggy, with a breakable crust as you get a bit higher.
Wind has varied in direction over the past week, expect exposed areas to be generally wind-affected.
Below ridgetops there is an average snowpack depth of 100 cm. Snowpack depth gradually thins as elevation decreases to around 60 cm at the highway.
Many early season hazards are just below the surface at this elevation.
Thursday Night
Cloudy. 3 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 200 m.
Friday
Cloudy. 5 to 8 cm of snow. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 12 cm of snow. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 10 cm of snow. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
