After many windy and cold days the best riding is likely in sheltered terrain that is less wind effected and where cold temps have softened the snow surface.
Lingering wind slabs are likely becoming more challenging to trigger, but they may still be found in steep unsupported terrain at treeline and above.
No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited this time of year. If you do head into the backcountry please submit a MIN report!
Strong wind from the east over the past week has scoured east slopes and created hard wind slabs on south and west facing slopes.
A layer from mid-November is buried 50 to 70 cm at treeline. This layer consists of surface hoar, facets and a crust below treeline and on south facing slopes. This layer was reactive a week ago (Nov 27 and 28), but has likely trended towards being unreactive under the current conditions.
Many early-season hazards exist below treeline such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.
Saturday Night
Clear skies, no precipitation, 20 to 30 km/h wind from the northwest, treeline temperatures warm to -5 °C.
Sunday
Sunny, no precipitation, 20 km/h wind from the northeast, treeline and alpine temperatures reach 0 °C with an above freeze layer around 2000 m.
MondayMix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, 40 to 50 km/h wind from the northwest, treeline temperatures warm to -5 °C.
TuesdayMix of sun and cloud, isolated flurries with trace amounts of snow, 50 to 60 km/h wind from the northwest, treeline temperatures around -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
