Recent snow in the high alpine, and rain at valley bottom have made a mix of conditions. Assess deep snowpack areas carefully and watch for signs of instability, like shooting cracks.
New snow and southwest wind are expected to have formed fresh wind slab. Wind-loaded bowls and gullies may present as an appealing place to get some early-season turns, but they're also the places where avalanches are most likely to occur.
No new avalanches reported, but we suspect new snow in the alpine with strong southwest wind produced an active avalanche cycle on Sunday.
If you do head out, do so with a cautious and investigative mindset, and let us know what you're seeing by submitting a MIN report.
Roughly 30 cm of snow exists at the treeline and up to 80 cm in the alpine. A crust or moist snow exists on the surface from recent warm temperatures and rain. The alpine snowpack has been extensively wind-affected. A robust crust has been reported near the base of the snowpack.
The snowpack remains very shallow at lower elevations and creeks are open, rocks are exposed, and there are plenty of early-season hazards.
Monday night
Cloudy with snow, up to 5 cm accumulation, southwest alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Clear with no precipitation, west alpine wind 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds with light flurries, southeast alpine wind 30 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -12 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with flurries, southeast alpine wind 30 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
