The most consistent ski quality lies in wind-sheltered treeline terrain, where storm slabs are less prevalent. Ice climbs have begun reforming during the past week, however watch for sluffing from steep gullys above.
Weather Forecast
A weak front raced over the region today, with the freezing level around town. Light snowfall will taper off by morning. Temperatures will gradually lower Saturday, and remain cool all week. A mix of sun and cloud tomorrow, with the odd flurry in the West. Another weak front Sunday brings us blustery winds and light snowfall from midday on.
Snowpack Summary
10cm of dense new snow at treeline has fallen on top of low density fluff, or on previously visible windslabs near ridges. Light to Moderate W winds are transporting this snow to immediate lees at ridgetop. A week-old rain crust, buried 25-40cm down, is present from treeline down, and a mid-November crust down 30-60cm caps a strong lower snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
Loose dry sluffing observed out of steep terrain this afternoon.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Problems
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.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.