Watch for pockets of fresh wind slab as you gain elevation, while at lower elevations the hazard remains typical early-season conditions.
Strong winds have likely formed fresh wind slabs in open treeline features and at higher elevations. Mild temperatures will increase slab properties.
No new avalanches have been reported. However, observations are limited. If you are out and about in the mountains, please consider posting your observations to the MIN.
High elevations are heavily wind affected - from exposed rocks to dense wind slabs. Softer snow may be found in sheltered terrain, or at lower elevations. A crust from mid November is buried 30-50 cm deep.
The lower snowpack consists of multiple crusts, and in some areas, a layer of weak, sugary facets can be found near the ground.
Snowpack depths range from 30–100 cm, thinning quickly at lower elevations. In many areas, especially below treeline, slopes lack enough snow to cover ground roughness and produce avalanches.
Sunday Night
Cloudy. 4 cm of snow. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Monday
Cloudy. 3 cm of snow. 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. Up to 20 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 3 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
