The snowpack is surprisingly supportive to riders... in the few spots, you can find some decent early season turns. But don't get too wild yet - hidden hazards lay beneath the surface.
Recent snow and strong winds have created wind slabs in alpine lee areas and on wind-loaded features. These fresh slabs may be sitting on a crust at the base of the snowpack, which could increase their potential for triggering.
Field patrols in the Bald Hills and Icefields, no new recent avalanches observed or reported.
If you're out in the field, consider sharing your findings by posting a MIN report.
Over the past five days, the Icefields area has received 20 cm of new snow, which overlies a thin crust observed in ridable locations. Snow depth in the alpine is approximately 70 cm but varies greatly due to recent wind effect. Traveling through TL, the snow tapers off quickly with elevation. A notable feature is the 5-15 cm thick crust near the base of the snowpack, surrounded by facets above and below.
Thursday
Cloudy with scattered flurries.
Accumulation: 4 cm.
Alpine temperature: High -7 °C.
Ridge wind light to 20 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Friday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -7 °C.
Light ridge wind.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
