Slopes sheltered from the wind could still hold good riding and lower avalanche danger.
Recent snow and moderate to strong south through west wind has created wind slabs on leeward and cross-loaded slopes.
Retreat to mellower terrain if you find signs of instability like shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
On Wednesday, west of Bell II, several large (up to size 2.5) glide slab avalanches were reported.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network).
Up to 25 cm of recent snow and moderate to strong southeast through west wind have formed wind slabs on leeward slopes. Expect to find soft snow in sheltered areas. A layer of weak, feathery crystals (surface hoar) may be found under the recent snow.
A 2 to 10 cm thick rain crust can be found down 50 to 100 cm at 1400 m and below. This layer is currently not an avalanche concern.
At treeline we expect a snow depth of 250 cm or more. Snowpack depth tapers with elevation to around 50 cm at valley bottoms.
Many early season hazards are just below the surface below treeline.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy. Up to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 400 m.
Sunday
Cloudy. 10 to 25 cm of snow. 35 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 300 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
