New snow and wind are building fresh storm slabs
Verify conditions and check for signs of instability before entering steep or committing slopes.
New snow and wind are forming fresh slabs at all elevations. In some areas the storm snow may not bond well to underlying layers of surface hoar or a crust. Moderate south winds will be building deeper deposits on leeward slopes.
Wet loose avalanches may be possible at lower elevations if precipitation falls as rain.
No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited. If you head into the backcountry, consider sharing your observations with the Mountain Information Network.
An additional 5–15 cm of snow is expected by Sunday afternoon, accompanied by moderate southerly winds. Rain is possible at elevations below 1500 m.
The new snowfall will build on up to 15 cm of snow that has accumulated over the past few days. This snow may be sitting on a thin crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as surface hoar in isolated, sheltered areas.
A mid-December crust lies 30–50 cm deep, found up to 2200 m. Additional crusts exist in the mid and lower snowpack, including a mid-November crust with facets above and below, but neither of these layers is currently a concern.
Saturday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Sunday
Cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
