Wind slab is currently the lone avalanche problem in the region. With the current variability of the snowpack, exposure to this problem can happen fast.
Weather Forecast
Periods of snow expected wednesday with forecasted accumulation of up to 5cm. Temperatures will remain steady with daytime highs at treeline elevation of -5.0. Freezing levels will hover near valley bottom. Light SW wind with moderate gust at treeline and above.
Snowpack Summary
Below 1700m there is no significant snow. Above 2000m an early winter snowpack exists, snow depths range from 30 to 100+ cm depending on aspects and exposure to wind. A series of crusts have develop a supportive snowpack allowing for good ski travel. Wind effect to the recent snow has loaded specific slopes in the alpine, expect this to continue.
Avalanche Summary
Observed no new avalanche activity on highway 93N. Climbers should still remain vigilant as even triggering a small avalanche in a gully feature or above cliffs can have severe consequences.
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.