As new snow and strong southerly winds build a slab above a weak layer avalanche activity will increase.
10 - 20 cm of snow now sits atop a preserved layer of surface hoar/facets. As wind redistributes snow into deeper pockets new snow may become a more cohesive slab and reactive to human triggering. Watch for signs of instability such as whumping, cracking, and recent avalanches.
No recent avalanches have been reported. Backcountry users should expect to see evidence of a natural avalanche cycle from strong winds within the storm at higher elevations. If you head out in the backcountry please support your community by submitting a MIN report!
New snow has buried a layer of surface hoar, size 5-10 mm, and facets. Surface hoar overlies wind-hammered surfaces including scoured easterly slopes and hard slabs on west and south slopes.
A layer that formed in mid-November can be found down 70 to 100 cm deep at treeline and above. This layer consists of a crust below 1200 m and a layer of surface hoar above this elevation. This layer has not shown recent signs of instability.
The depth of the snowpack at treeline varies widely from 100 to 200 cm and tapers rapidly below treeline. Many early-season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks exist below treeline.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy with flurries, 10 - 15 cm accumulation. Ridge winds southerly 40 to 60 km/h. Temperature -7 at 1500 m. Freezing levels 500 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with flurries, 5 - 10 cm accumulation. Valley bottom winds remain light but at ridgetop winds will be southerly 40 - 60 km/h. Temperature -6 at 1500 m. Freezing levels valley bottom.
Friday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Ridge winds southerly 25 to 40 km/h. Temperature -8 at 1500 m. Freezing levels valley bottom.
Saturday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Ridge winds south 20 to 35 km/h, Temperature -10 at 1500m. Freezing levels valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
