6:30 AM Update: New slabs may be forming at upper elevations, particularly around Pine Pass. Monitor the new snow and wind direction and verify conditions as you travel.
Snow, with up to 15 cm near Pine Pass, coupled with moderate wind likely formed small slabs at upper elevations. Slabs may be building over a surface hoar layer, making them more reactive.
No new avalanches have been reported in the past week.
Thanks to everyone who has filled out a Mountain Information Network report.
Isolated flurries, with up to 15 cm near Pine Pass, have buried a layer of surface hoar that sits on a crust that extends up to at least 2000 m on all aspects. This crust is likely breakable on north aspects at treeline and above.
On north facing slopes in the alpine, there is a mix of soft snow from surface faceting and wind affected snow in open terrain features. Cornices are large and overhanging.
The lower snowpack is well settled with the mid-December facet/crust layer down 100 cm.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
