New snow and strong winds will make it easy to trigger avalanches in new and wind deposited snow at higher elevations. Avoid traveling on steep slopes near ridges and in wind-exposed areas at lower elevations. Early season conditions still exist, and obstacles may now hide just below the snow surface.
Significant winds will transport snow to the lee sides of ridges and rollovers. Strong winds sometimes build slabs lower down on slopes than you may expect. Wind slabs will be located in areas with an existing snowpack near and above treeline. These newly formed wind slabs may be overlaying a crust or older weak snow. Avoid steep slopes near ridges in areas with wind deposited snow.
A brief increase in freezing levels may develop an upside-down snowpack, and it may be possible to trigger avalanches in the new snow. While the low snow cover will limit the size and distribution of these avalanches, travel with caution at mid-elevations and be on the lookout for heavier snow over soft snow, collapsing, and shooting cracks. If you see any of these signs, steer around slopes greater than 35 degrees.
The storm we have all been waiting for has finally arrived, and up to 2ft of new snow could fall overnight accompanied by strong winds. Expect rapidly changing conditions throughout the day tomorrow. At upper elevations, this new snow will fall on various surfaces, including rain crusts, soft snow, or firmer recently wind deposited snow. This could cause the snowpack to act differently from one slope to the next. An NWAC forecaster observed weak snow above the November crust in the Icicle Creek Drainage. This weak layer now has significant new snow overlaying it. Digging down to this crust is a great way to investigate if this weak snow is still present.
At lower elevations, this new snow is still just the beginning of our winter snowpack. The lack of snow and the rough ground surface will limit the possibility of avalanches below treeline.
All this new snow is exciting for us winter enthusiasts, but keep in mind that early season hazards such as rocks, trees, and creeks may now hide just below the surface of the new snow. Travel conditions will be challenging, and the consequences of being caught in even a small avalanche will increase. You can easily be injured by being carried into obstacles.
"Uphill travel reminder: Check in with your local ski area this weekend regarding terrain access and parking updates. Closed ski areas often share a similar snowpack and avalanche hazard as the surrounding backcountry. You may also encounter other hazards like active avalanche mitigation, unmarked obstacles, snowmobiles, groomers, and other heavy equipment as ski areas prepare to open. Be prepared to make your own assessments and handle emergencies."
