Danger is expected to increase with forecast snow and wind. As always, and especially when forecast confidence is low, it's important to supplement this forecast with your own observations. Please post your obs to the MIN.
Weather Forecast
Light snowfall starting early Wednesday morning is expected to continue throughout Wednesday with 5-10cm of fresh snow by Wednesday evening, especially in the northern part of the region. Moderate southerly ridgetop winds are expected at the onset of the storm before shifting to light to moderate southwesterlies for Wednesday. Another moderate system is expected to impact the area on Thursday, with a stronger system expected on Friday. Daytime high freezing levels are expected to rise from around 1300 m on Wednesday to above 1500 m on Friday.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported in this region.
Snowpack Summary
Recent reports suggest snowpack depth is 80-150cm in the alpine and 60-100cm at treeline. The snowpack below treeline remains below threshold for avalanches, but watch out for early season hazards such as hidden rocks, stumps, and open creeks. Up to 40cm of recent storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab over a hard crust. This crust is the primary weakness of concern and is expected to become increasingly reactive as the slab above settles and stiffens. Southerly winds have also formed very touchy wind slabs on lee features below ridetops in exposed terrain. Although conditions have been reported as being quite good, remember that an early season snowpack is inherently weak and requires thorough investigation before stepping out into bigger terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.