The best and safest riding is likely to be in wind-sheltered areas at lower elevations.
Carefully assess steep slopes for lingering wind slabs before committing.
Recent winds have formed slabs on all aspects; however, the most reactive ones are likely found in south through east facing terrain. Approach ridgelines, mid-slope rolls and crossloaded features with caution.
Dec 31
Several size 1 to 2 storm slabs were triggered with explosive control in the alpine.
Dec 30
A few small to large (size 1 - 2.5) wind slab avalanches were reported in the alpine.
Dec 29
Numerous small human-triggered avalanches were reported on all aspects.
2 large (size 2.5) natural avalanches were reported on south aspects in the alpine.
Explosive control in the region produced very large avalanches (up to size 3)
Up to 5 cm of new snow is forecast to fall by Friday afternoon. This new snow may cover a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas.
Extensive wind effect has redistributed the surface snow into deeper deposits in leeward areas at upper elevations.
The prominent mid-December crust is buried up to 110 cm deep and is present up to 2300 m. Several weak layers persist in the lower snowpack, but concern is limited to higher-elevation terrain where the crust is absent. Triggering this layer is considered unlikely, except with large loads or in thin snowpack areas.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 20 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
