Wind slabs in the alpine and isolated treeline pockets continue to demand caution—evaluate steep slopes for fresh wind effect.
Moderate to strong westerly winds, along with isolated flurries, continue to form reactive wind slabs in leeward and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and treeline.
No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited at this time of year.
Let us know what you are seeing by posting a MIN if you are heading out in the backcountry!
Up to 30 cm of new snow has accumulated since early this week. Steady westerly winds have built deeper deposits in exposed, wind-loaded terrain, while in sheltered areas, the new snow likely rests on a layer of surface hoar or faceted crystals.
The mid and lower snowpack remains generally well-bonded, containing several crusts from earlier in the season.
Average snow depths at treeline range from 40 to 80 cm and decrease dramatically at lower elevations.
Thursday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. Up to 20 cm of snow at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
