Welcome to winter. This forecast is based on few field observations and a high level of uncertainty exists. A conservative approach to terrain selection is critical until more data becomes available.
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Patchy clouds with flurries / Light west wind / Freezing level valley bottomSATURDAY: Mostly dry, mix of sun and cloud / Light variable wind / Freezing level valley bottomSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, dry with chance of sunny breaks / Light west ridge top windMONDAY: Incoming system, snow accumulation 10-30 cm / Light to moderate southwest winds
Avalanche Summary
In the past 48 hours, 15-30 cm new snow has fallen in this region. No recent natural avalanches have been reported. Explosives have triggered slab avalanches to size 1.5 in ridge top lee features. We currently have limited observations in this regions. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
10-30 cm of recent snow has buried a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals), found widespread at treeline and below. In exposed alpine areas, a temperature crust may exist where wind/sun was able to break down surface hoar before burial. The snowpack is supported by an unreactive basal crust/facet layer 15-25 cm above the ground. Alpine snowpack depths vary from 110-160 cm, with snowpack depth decreasing quickly with decreasing elevation.
Problems
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.