Continue to assess for wind slab before riding steep slopes where triggering wind slab may be possible. The best riding is likely in sheltered terrain where cold temps have likely softened the snow surface.
Sustained north and east winds have redistributed snow onto south and west aspects. forming hard wind slab. These wind slabs are likely becoming challenging to trigger but rider triggerable wind slab could still be found in steep unsupported terrain below ridge crests.
There were no significant avalanche observations on Thursday in the region.
On Wednesday a natural wind slab cycle to size 2.5 was observed in the northwest part of the region. These avalanches occured on northwest , west and southwest aspects at treeline and above. These avalanches are a result of ongoing outflow winds.
Over the past few days strong outflow winds have scoured easterly slopes and created hard slab on west and south slopes while cross loading others.
A layer buried in mid November can be found down around 70 to 100cm at treeline and above. This layer consists of a crust below 1200m and a layer of surface hoar above this elevation.
The depth of the snowpack at treeline varies widely from 100-200 cm and tapers rapidly below treeline. Many early-season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks exist below treeline.
Friday Night
Strong outflow winds with a temperature inversion developing. -16 at valley bottoms and up to -6 at 1500m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Strong outflow winds easing throughout the day. Temperature inversion strengthening throughout the day with a high of -1 at 1500m.
Sunday
Sunny with no new snow expected. Temperature inversion continues with a above freezing layer at 1500m. Light winds from the north.
Monday
Sunny with no new snow expected, Temperature inversion continues. Light to moderate winds shifting to westerly in the afternoon.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
