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.
Northerly wind may form fresh, reactive slabs in exposed areas on Friday. A more widespread, but stubborn storm slab problem could linger from last week's 30 to 50 cm of snow sitting on a crust.
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 be especially cautious in wind-loaded terrain.
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. This recent storm snow sits above a rain crust 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.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear skies. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Friday
Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
