An increased load on the widespread surface hoar & moderate SW winds will increase avalanche danger. New snow covers up some early season hazards, but they still lurk beneath the surface.
The Winter Permit System is in effect. Take the quiz and get your permit.
Fresh slabs are building on widespread surface hoar, increasing the potential for wide propagation and larger than expected avalanches. These avalanches might also run further than expected.
No new avalanches have been observed in the past few days. A field team in the Fidelity area observed small, loose surface sluffs running fast on steep rolls.
A few centimeters of new snow today will cover widespread feathery surface hoar and/or a thin crust on steep terrain facing the sun. This will be the layer to watch as the new snow piles up!
The height of snow at treeline is approx 80cm which is 40cm below average. Many rocks/trees lurk just below the snow surface! Snow coverage on glaciers is also thin.
The base of the snowpack consists of weak, sugary facets.
A change in the weather pattern is on the way! A series of storms over the weekend will bring much needed snow.
Tonight: Trace snow, Low -12°C, Mod SW wind
SAT: 7cm, -9°C, Mod SW Wind, Fz lvl 800m
SUN: 15cm, -7°C, Strong>Extreme SW Wind, Fz lvl 1100m
MON: 16cm, -2°C, Mod>Strong SW Wind, Fz lvl 1500m
