continually assess conditions as you move through terrain. The total amount of storm snow as well as the surface it has fallen on varies throughout the region and from slope to slope.
The areas of greatest concern are sheltered slopes at treeline where storm slabs could overlie surface hoar which could result in larger and more sensitive slabs. In exposed higher elevation terrain wind slabs will likely be found. Most below treeline terrain is below threshold but steep slopes with smooth ground surfaces may still be capable of producing avalanches.
A few natural size one and two avalanches were observed in cliffy terrain at 1300m on a northeast aspect in the north of the region.
Observations in the region are limited. If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
A series of storms over the past few days has brought 40 to 70cm of new snow with the greatest storm total in the Pine pass area. strong southwest winds accompanied this new snow. New snow has likely formed wind slabs in exposed terrain at higher elevations and buries a variety of surfaces at treeline including facets, surface hoar, a crust and bare ground. At lower elevations most of this recent precipitation fell as rain resulting in a shallow and saturated snowpack.
Tonight
Stormy weather bringing 10 to 30cm of new snow. Winds weakening from strong southwest to light to moderate from the west. Temperatures around 1600m will fall to around -10.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing up to 5cm of new snow. Low of -13 at 1600m and light to moderate winds from the northwest. The eastern slopes of the Rockies could experience stronger winds from the northeast.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light easterly winds and a low of -18 at 1600m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light southeast winds in the north and moderate south winds in the south. temperatures cooling with the possibility of -20 at 1600m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
