A skiff of new snow down to highway level barely covers early season hazards. Expect rugged conditions below treeline (full body armor might be a good idea). Above treeline, enough snow exists to avalanche. See Forecast Details tab.
Weather Forecast
Flurries have tapered off but the cold arctic air will stick around through the weekend. Saturday and Sunday expect a mix of sun and cloud, with temps ranging from -16 to -12'C. Fortunately the winds are expected to be light. Next week, freezing levels should gradually rise with the potential for flurries to start again on Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
Early season snowpack conditions exist. Below 1500m, 30cm of snow covers the ground. Above 1500m snow-depths increase, with 90-120cm at and above treeline. ~25cm of snow in the past 72hrs has buried a 3cm thick crust and as slabs develop they may bond poorly. NE winds have loaded lee slopes, building deeper (and potentially more reactive) drifts.
Avalanche Summary
Natural avalanche activity continues to be observed from steep avalanche paths, such as those on the N face of Mt Cheops up the Connaught valley and off of Mt Macdonald, during periods of strong winds. Avalanches up to size 2 were observed stopping at the start of the avalanche fans.
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.