Start on small slopes, and watch for signs of instability like shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Assess large features on a slope by slope basis before committing.
Wind deposited snow from the recent storm may avalanche under the weight of a human. Cold temperatures have been keeping the surface snow loose, so anywhere that the wind starts to blow, touchy new wind slabs could form.
Recent avalanche reports are limited to small, loose dry avalanches in steep, shaded terrain.
On Sunday in the Mt. Cain backcountry, there were reports of whumpfs and a large avalanche around treeline.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network)
60 to 100+ cm of recent snow is faceting with cold temperatures, and getting softer from the surface down. This recent snow overlies a crust on all but high north aspects. At upper elevations, the recent snow has been redistributed by wind.
Below the crust, the snowpack is generally settled and strong.
Below treeline areas have now received enough snow to produce avalanches. Watch for "early season" type hazards such as shallowly buried stumps, rocks and creeks.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear. No new snow expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -6 °C. Freezing level dropping to 300 m.
Thursday
Clear morning, cloudy afternoon. Light snow above 600 m starting late afternoon. Light wind in the morning, moderate to strong southwest picking up in the afternoon. Treeline high around -3 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. Generally 5 to 15 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Possibly less on the east island, and double to triple the amount on the west island. Extreme southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 0 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Light to heavy snowfall above 750 m. Possible drastic difference from west to east side of the island. 75 cm + to 10 cm. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
