The recent low-density storm snow is settling out and showing increasing signs of slab properties. There is uncertainty of if/when the tipping point will be reached on the persistent weak layers, which would likely result in the wide propagating avalanches seen adjacent to Rogers Pass.
Assess the snowpack carefully before stepping out into committing terrain.
45cm of recent low density snow is available for transport. Isolated pockets of surface slabs may be found in Alpine and open Treeline lee features.
The Nov 17 and Dec 5 surface hoar are down ~75cm and ~35cm respectively, and most prevalent around tree line. These layers of surface hoar give 'sudden' results in snowpack tests; they have a propensity to propagate across continuous and broken features; and, they produce dramatic whumpfs in previously untraveled open glades.
Several loose dry avalanches up to size 2 from steep, rocky North facing terrain off Mt MacDonald.
Reports continue of small, unsupported pockets of soft slab failing on Dec 5 and Nov 17, mainly occurring around treeline and morainal features.
Up to 40cm of settled snow now buries the Dec 5 layer, which consists of surface hoar, preserved stellars, facets, and a thin sun crust on steeper solar aspects.
The Nov 17th Surface Hoar is now buried 60-90cm and continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests.
A ridge of high pressure will maintain dry conditions over the region for the next few days. Light winds, Alpine highs in the -5*C to -9*C, and no snow for the week.
