Assess local conditions, especially in the early season with limited observations.
The primary hazard continues to be a shallow snowpack with numerous obstacles just below the surface.
Pockets of wind-loaded snow may sit atop a weak, facetted snowpack in lees. You may be drawn to these areas as they will likely have the most snow. Investigate the bond between wind slabs and underlying surfaces before committing.
No recent avalanches have been reported. Information from the field is limited at this time of year. If you are recreating in the mountains please consider submitting a MIN report.
The snowpack is generally very shallow and contains many potential hazards just beneath the snow surface.
At higher elevations, pockets of deeper, wind-loaded snow may sit atop a weak, facetted basal snowpack. Exposed areas in the alpine are heavily wind scouring.
At treeline, the height of snow ranges from approximately 50 to 80 cm. As you descend to lower elevations, snow depths decrease significantly.
Monday Night
Clear skies, no precipitation, southwest ridge wind 20 km/h, treeline temperature -3 C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny with cloudy periods, no precipitation, southwest alpine wind 10 km/h, treeline temperature -6 C.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy and isolated flurries, trace precipitation, northwest alpine wind 10 km/h, treeline temperature -7 C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy and isolated flurries, trace precipitation, southeast alpine wind 10 km/h, treeline temperature -6 C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
