Allow recent storm snow to settle and bond, and choose conservative terrain accordingly.
Recent snow and wind have formed widespread storm slabs. While the likelihood of natural avalanches will decrease with snowfall ending Thursday morning, rider-triggered avalanches will remain likely.
Numerous natural, explosive, and rider-triggered avalanches were reported on Tuesday, ranging from size 1 to 2, with depths of 20 to 50 cm.
If you are out and about in the mountains, please consider posting your observations to the MIN.
Over 50 cm of recent storm snow has accumulated in most areas by Thursday morning, accompanied by strong westerly winds.
A layer of faceted snow or surface hoar, and a crust from mid-November, is buried approximately 50 to 100 cm deep. Several crusts exist lower in the snowpack, and weak, sugary facets can be found near the ground.
Snowpack depths at treeline range from 80 to 130 cm, thinning quickly at lower elevations.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Friday
Cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 700 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
