Rider-triggered slabs are possible at upper elevations, especially on wind affected slopes. Below treeline, early-season hazards like open creeks, rocks, and stumps remain.
Up to 50 cm of recent storm snow fell last weekend. Lingering storm slabs may be reactive to rider triggers at treeline and in the alpine, especially in wind affected areas.
Dry loose sluffing may be seen from steep terrain features
No recent avalanches reported. Last weekend's storm likely saw numerous natural storm slab avalanches up to size 3.
Since then, natural avalanche activity has tapered, but rider-triggered slabs (up to size 2) may be possible. Watch for whumphing and cracking in the upper snowpack, and use caution on northeast-facing slopes that may be wind-loaded.
Low-density surface snow may sluff and run far in steep terrain features.
Last weekend's storm brought 40 to 60 cm of new storm to treeline and above. Strong southwest winds formed pockets of wind slab on leeward slopes and behind terrain features. This recent storm snow sits above a raincrust buried mid-November up to approximately 2200 m.
The average snow depths at treeline elevation are anywhere from 70 to 90 cm.
Below treeline the snowpack tapers significantly. Watch out for variable snow conditions and quality, as well as early-season hazards such as open creeks, rocks and stumps.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 15 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Friday
Sunny with some cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
