It's early in the season but there is more than enough snow for avalanches. If you are out in the mountains, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Confidence
Poor - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
High pressure will remain the dominant feature on Sunday. Partly sunny and dry conditions are expected. A temperature inversion is possible and alpine winds are expected to be moderate from the NW. A weak storm system is forecast to reach the region Monday afternoon or evening. Increasing cloudiness is expected during the day and alpine winds will increase to moderate or strong from the SW. Freezing levels are forecast to reach 1200-1500m on Monday afternoon. Cold arctic air is expected to reach the region on Tuesday. As the cold front passes, snowfall is expected to valley bottom. Models are currently showing 5-10mm of precipitation on Tuesday.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported. There was a natural avalanche cycle in the alpine last week during the storm.
Snowpack Summary
Snowpack observations have been very limited as the season commences. Initial reports suggest that there is enough snow above around 1700m for avalanches to occur. A thick surface crust exists to around treeline elevation. Recent wind may have formed thin wind slabs in the alpine.
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.