This bulletin was created using very limited field data. Substantial variation in snowpack structure is likely to exist across the region. If you are out in the mountains, please send your observations to
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Weather Forecast
A ridge of high pressure will continue to dominate on Wednesday and Thursday resulting in dry conditions, light alpine winds, and mostly sunny skies. A weak frontal system is expected on Thursday night or Friday and will result in light snowfall, mostly cloudy conditions, and moderate alpine winds for Friday. The temperature inversion which is currently sitting over the region (resulting in a layer of warm air sitting at mountain-top elevations) will break down on Thursday and alpine temperatures will return to normal by Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Snow depth is typically 80-110cm at treeline although observations are limited and this amount may vary across the region. Roughly 60 to 70cm of well settled storm snow is now sitting on the October crust located just above the ground. Little is known about the reactivity of this crust; however, limited reports suggest that the crust interface is well bondedSun exposed slopes are undergoing daily melt-freeze cycles. A surface crust is also being reported below 1700m. Large surface hoar is forming on all aspects but is melting on south aspects during the daytime warming.