Investigate the depth and reactivity of new snow as you travel and back off where you find signs of instability like shooting cracks. Treeline is likely where you'll find the greatest hazard.
Recent flurries and elevated winds mean reactive wind slabs should be expected around leeward features, particularly at treeline. Recent strong winds may have formed slabs farther downslope than usual.
No new avalanches have been reported in the region. Observations have been limited, but the Yukon field team got a glimpse into treeline terrain Thursday and Friday with no avalanche activity to report.
Please share your own observations through the Mountain Information Network.
Steady light snowfall and southerly wind has formed deeper deposits on north aspects and scoured or pressed south-facing slopes. Exposed alpine has been heavily wind-affected.
By end of day Saturday, roughly 25 to 40 cm of accumulated snow should overlie the supportive early-December crust complex, which extends up to 1500 m.
A recent MIN report describes preserved surface hoar sitting on this crust in the Powder Valley. This setup is worth investigating throughout the region as slabs formed over this grain could be surprisingly touchy.
Despite the presence of faceted grains in the lower snowpack, there are no layers of concern below the crust. Snowpack depths range from about 70 to 180 cm.
Friday Night
Cloudy with continuing scattered flurries and up to 5 cm of new snow. 15 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Mainly cloudy with continuing scattered flurries bringing less than 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h northeast outflow winds. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 15 km/h northeast or southeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -16°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
