Caution as you transition into wind-exposed terrain. Avalanches are possible at and above tree line where winds have transported the recent snow into slabs on lee terrain features.
Recent southwest winds have likely been transporting the 15-25 cm of recent snow into wind slabs at upper elevations. These slabs are unlikely to bond well with the previous snow surfaces.
Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, scattered flurries with 2-5 cm of snow possible further north in the region, moderate westerly winds, alpine temperature -5 C
Thursday: Cloudy with periods of sun, isolated flurries with a trace of precipitation, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -5 C
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud, isolated flurries with a trace of precipitation, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -7 C
Saturday: Mostly clear, no precipitation, light northeast winds, alpine high temperature -7 C
In the aftermath of the storm, storm slabs up to 15 cm in depth were initiated with explosive control work in and north of Bear Pass on Tuesday. A few natural loose dry/wind slab avalanches to size 2 were also observed on steep alpine features and were thought to be running on the early November crust.
Avalanche activity is expected to taper off over the next few days. However, ongoing westerly winds have transported the recent snow into wind slabs that may remain reactive to human triggering.
Southwest winds have been transporting the 15-25 cm of recent snow into wind slabs on lee features at upper elevations. Depending on location, these slabs are likely sitting on a mix of sugary faceted snow, and feathery surface hoar crystals, and hard wind-affected snow that may be reactive to human triggering.
Total snowpack amounts are likely in the 60-120 cm range, tapering quickly at lower elevations.
