Helmets and old skis/boards are mandatory if you're visiting the Pass. With just over a metre of snow in the higher Alpine, expect to find many hard objects hidden in the snow, waiting to put in a dent in you and your plans.
Basal facets are more likely to be triggered in shallow, rocky areas, such as ridge-crests and open, convex slopes. A bridging crust exists below Treeline, preventing folks from sinking to the ground at lower elevations.
New snow and moderate/strong SW winds have created storm slabs in lee Treeline and Alpine features.
Several natural and human-triggered avalanches have been observed in the Alpine and upper Treeline elevations. Notably on Nov 12, a sz 2.5 slab avalanche, ~1m deep, was triggered from 200m away while a group approached the final headwall to Video Peak. Extensive "whumphing" has also been reported, common when basal facets get overloaded and then collapse.
Basal sugary facets have been found at Treeline/Alpine elevations. These facets offer little support in a young snowpack, often collapsing and producing loud "whumphing" sounds. Snow depth increases with elevation, but expect many rocks/trees lurking at and just below the snow surface.
Detailed weather forecasts can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
