Strong SW winds, rising freezing levels and up to 30 cm in the forecast for the next 24 hours.The response of the newly formed snowpack to these inputs is uncertain and it is recommended to approach it with caution.
More new snow, moderately strong SW winds, and rising temperatures are in the forecast. These are great slab building conditions. Be very cautious in terrain with significant windward lee features and cornices
There is plenty of new snow overflowing ledges, steep walls and creek beds over Ice climbs throughout the forecast region.
60-80cm of storm snow from Nov 13-15th has settled over a series of crusts and weak snow crystals at the base of the snowpack.
Sunday: Snow: 16 cm. Alpine temperature: High -1 °C. wind southwest: 2gusting to 65 km/h. FL: 2000 metres.Monday: Snow: 4 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -7 °C, High -4 °C. Wind southwest: gusting to 70 km/h. FL: 1700 metres.Tuesday: Snow: 11 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -5 °C, High -4 °C. Wind southwest: gusting to 65 km/h. FL: 1500 metres.
Relentless SW winds continue to hammer open areas, alpine and treeline. Hard windslab developing on lee features. Frenzied winds move any new snow, overloading steep features creating spindrift and a significant loose dry problem, especially concerning over ice climbing features. ~75cm of snow settled over the Nov 5th crust/facet combo at ground.
Poor visibility, some loose dry natural activity observed on the Parkway on Friday. Field profile at 2100m (Parkers Ridge), sheltered BLT location, sandwiched in the trees ;) 1m HS, 20-30cm fist over stronger mid-pack. Nov. 5th crust found down 75cm. Hard compression test results on facets below crust.
