New snow and strong winds will increase the avalanche danger. For those venturing to higher elevations, a conservative mindset will be needed until the new snow stabilizes.
Around 20 cm of new snow falling with strong southwest wind may not bond well to underlying surfaces. Conservative terrain choices will be important until the snow stabilizes. Don't forget about other early-season hazards that are lurking just beneath this snow, such as rocks, trees, and creeks.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 15 to 25 cm , strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, moderate west wind, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 1100 m.
MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwest wind, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 700 m.
TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 C, freezing level bellow valley bottom.
Observations are very limited right now, with recreationists starting to get into the mountains and operations opening soon. We haven't received any reports of recent avalanche activity. The new snow coming this weekend may not bond well to the underlying snow at higher elevations. The most likely place to trigger a large avalanche would be where the snow surface appears smooth.
If you see anything while out in the field, please consider sharing that information with us and fellow recreationists via the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Saturday night's storm could drop around 20 cm of snow in the region. The new snow will cover bare ground below treeline, and around 40 cm of hard snow intermixed with trees and rocks at treeline and alpine elevations.
The new snow may not bond well to the previous snow surface at higher elevations. Use particular caution where the snow surface appears smooth, as this may mean an avalanche could propagate over a wider area.
