Choose objectives suited to rugged conditions and a shallow snowpack at lower elevations.
Watch for isolated wind slabs at upper elevations.
Recent variable winds may have left pockets of wind slab in wind-loaded areas such as cross-loaded slopes, areas of drifted snow behind ribs, gullies, and other terrain breaks.
No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited at this time of year. Please consider posting a MIN if you are heading out in the backcountry!
The surface snow in the alpine and treeline is variable, with soft snow in sheltered areas and firm wind-affected snow. A supportive melt-freeze crust is down 15 cm up to 1300 m, disappearing around 1500 m and higher.
The average snow depths at treeline elevation are anywhere from 40 to 60 cm.
Below treeline, the snowpack tapers significantly, and a rain crust may be found.
Watch out for variable snow conditions and quality—early-season hazards such as open creeks, rocks, and stumps are abundant.
Mostly clear skies. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow at treeline. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
