If you're getting out in the cold, remember that freezing temperatures and shorter days make for higher consequences.
Friday into Saturday is a major weather transition period. Expect a rise in the avalanche danger rating.
Wind slabs exist on lee slopes and cross-loaded features due to continued strong outflow winds. They could overlie a weak layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or a crust. Be aware of the potential for reverse loading and encountering wind slabs on slopes you might not expect them.
No new avalanches have been observed or reported in the past 24 hour period. Continue to support your backcountry community and please consider submitting a MIN report, Your information sharing is vital.
Upper elevations surfaces have been exposed to sustained strong to extreme North wind. These surfaces are generally very hard and in many places the snow has been stripped to the ground. In sheltered areas at treeline, surfaces have been faceting and becoming unconsolidated at the surface. In the upper snowpack at this elevation a layer of surface hoar crystals can be found down 20 to 30 cm and has not been an active layer of concern.
Generally, The snowpack is shallow and highly variable in terms of depth, with the mid and lower snowpack presenting as settled and dense.
A cold arctic air mass over the region will continue to bring to the forecast area. gusty outflow winds and extremely cold temperatures. Beginning Friday, a series of weather systems are expected to deliver up to 25cm of new snow. A rise in temperature and freezing level is excepted with ridgetop temperatures rising to -10˚C.
Wednesday night
Mostly clear. No precipitation. Northwesterly wind at 40 km/h. Temperatures around -30˚C.
Thursday
Increasing cloud. Light flurries beginning in the late evening 1-2 cm . Building southwest wind reaching 50 km/h. Temperatures rising to around -25˚C.
Friday
Overcast sky, Snow 5-10cm. Southwesterly wind at 60 km/h. Temperatures steady around -20˚C.
Saturday
Snow 5-10 cm. Southwest wind 60 to 80 km/h at ridge tops. High of -10˚C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
