Warm temps in the alpine today starting with a strong inversion, Snowballing on solar slopes. This warm dry weather has not improved the skiing at all, look for sheltered areas that have not seen the sun or wind. Keep in mind the Nov 5 crust and wind slabs still concern.
Hard windslabs are widespread in alpine areas and even down into treeline. Listen for that drummy or hollow feel as an indication to be extra careful.
The November crust continues to be the main concern in the snowpack. It is now buried anywhere from 30 to 100cm deep and it could be sensitive to human triggering in steep or unsupported terrain. Shallow snowpack areas may also be a trigger point.
Mainly sunny with moderate SW winds. Temperatures could be above the freezing mark by midday. No snow is in the forecast for at least the next few days.
No new avalanches observed.
Warm temps today and over the next few day may create a sun crust in open solar slopes. Observed snowballing and pin wheeling from the solar slopes today.
Alpine areas have been heavily affected by the past week of strong winds and wind slabs are widespread at tree line and above. Ridges and ribs are stripped free of snow while lee and cross-loaded terrain have deep deposits of wind loaded snow. The November crust is down 30-100cm and is producing anywhere from moderate to no results.
