Assess for wind slabs at higher elevations before committing to consequential terrain.
Recent snow and strong southeast wind likely formed wind slabs. Riders are most likely to trigger them on steep lee slopes adjacent to ridges.
We haven't received any recent reports of avalanche activity. Looking forward, it may be possible for riders to trigger slabs, particularly in wind-loaded terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations.
Watch out for early-season hazards like creeks, logs, and rocks, particularly at lower elevations.
Please consider sharing any observations you have on the Mountain Information Network.
Around 100 cm of snow is found in the alpine, with the snowpack depth rapidly dropping with elevation below treeline. Recent snow and strong wind have formed storm and wind slabs, which are likely starting to bond to the snowpack. New snow and wind on Friday may form new slabs, particularly in wind-exposed terrain at high elevations.
Various melt-freeze crusts are found in the bottom half of the snowpack but are not avalanche concerns.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
