Assess conditions as you travel - any fresh snow is likely hiding early-season hazards.
At the highest elevations, you may find stubborn hard slabs where recent winds loaded snow. As wind increases and snowfall accumulates late Tuesday, new slabs will first build in wind-loaded areas before becoming more widespread.
No new avalanches have been observed or reported in the region, however, observations are limited at this time of year. If you head into the backcountry consider submitting a MIN report.
At the highest elevations, recent wind-affected snow covers a melt-freeze crust and moist upper snowpack.
Snowpack depths at upper elevations grow to 80 cm, where snow begins to cover surface roughness. The snow-dirt line is found around 1200 m, and most solar slopes and below treeline are below the threshold for avalanches.
Monday night
Clear and cold with increasing clouds. Light to moderate northeast wind, treeline low temperatures -10 C.
Tuesday
Cold. Flurries start in the afternoon with substantial accumulations beginning overnight. Increasing southwest wind, treeline high temperature -5 C.
WednesdayWinter storm beginning late Tuesday with precipitation likely falling as snow at most elevations. 20-50 mm by morning and another 15 mm through the day, South wind gusting above 90 k/h. Treeline high -2, freezing level staying below 500 m.
ThursdayCooling and clearing. Light northwest wind, treeling high temperature -4 C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
