Investigate the snowpack and its layering before venturing into bigger terrain. Wind slabs and the persistent slab may be sensitive to your presence.
Strong South West winds have redistributed the recent 60cm of storm snow into fresh wind slabs in the alpine and down into treeline.
The Nov 17 surface hoar, facets and crust is now buried by 50-80cm of snow and has been reactive on convex rolls and steep open slopes. Investigate smaller adjacent slopes before stepping out into bigger terrain.
Reports of remote triggering several avalanches up to size 2 on moraine features below Glacier Crest. Widespread 'whumpfing' at treeline and below.
A natural avalanche cycle occurred early Sunday morning with numerous avalanches in the size 1.5-2.5 range and a few up to size 3.0.
50cm of storm snow over the last few days accompanied by strong SW winds on Sunday has built fresh wind slabs. The Nov 17 persistent slab (surface hoar 5-30mm, facets, and crust) is down 60-80cm and largest at treeline and below.
The early season hazards are slowly being buried but remain a concern. The height of snow at treeline is ~140cm.
A ridge of high pressure will provide sunny skies, cold temps and light Southerly winds. The Alpine high will be -18. Brrr, stay in the sun.
Snow and warmer temperatures are forecasted to return by Wednesday.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
