Wind slabs in the alpine and isolated treeline pockets continue to demand caution—evaluate steep slopes for fresh wind effect.
Recent snow has been redistributed by winds at higher elevations into deeper, more reactive pockets, and it has buried a surface-hoar layer in sheltered areas that may become increasingly concerning as more snow accumulates.
No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited at this time of year.
Please consider posting a MIN if you are heading out in the backcountry!
Approximately 5 to 15 cm of new snow has accumulated over the last couple of days. At higher elevations, southwest winds have redistributed this snow into deeper wind-loaded pockets in leeward terrain. In sheltered terrain, the new snow has buried a layer of surface hoar.
A supportive crust sits about 30 to 40 cm below the surface throughout most treeline and alpine areas.
Below treeline, the snowpack thins considerably; many areas have only a shallow, crusty base—or in some locations, almost no snow at all.
Snow depths at treeline range from roughly 40 to 100 cm.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. 20 to 40 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
