Snow in the forecast coupled with strong winds and warming. Watch for slab formation at all elevations. Great skiing above 1900m but use of the summer trails is still a good idea down low.
Weather Forecast
A low pressure system is currently producing moderate snowfall which is forecast to continue through Monday. Strong W and SW winds and warmer temperatures should appear as well. Tuesday looks drier and much cooler with some clearing and winds easing a bit and shifting to the NW. Another system may bring more snow, warming, and wind on Wed.
Snowpack Summary
5 to 10 cm new snow. At and above treeline, Moderate West winds creating 20-30 cm soft slabs that sit on more widespread hardslabs. S and W slopes are predominantly scoured with crossloaded features. Below 1900m the snowpack is dominated by 4 crust layers. Above 2000m only the basal Nov 6 crust exists as a moist layer of melt freeze crystals.
Avalanche Summary
Heard one avalanche that likely came out of extreme terrain at the back of the Cameron Lake area. Only surface sloughing observed today with ski cutting but we stayed in conservative terrain. Many start zones look to be quite loaded and waiting for a trigger...
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday
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.