Rider-triggered slabs are possible at upper elevations, especially on wind affected slopes. Below treeline, early-season hazards like open creeks, rocks, and stumps remain.
Up to 60 cm of storm snow fell last weekend. Lingering storm slabs may be reactive to rider triggers at treeline and in the alpine, particularly in wind-affected terrain.
Last weekend's storm unloaded 40 to 60 cm of snow at treeline and above. Natural slab avalanches (up to size 3.5) were reported throughout the region.
Since then, natural avalanche activity has tapered, but rider-triggered slabs (up to size 2) may be possible. Watch for whumphing and cracking in the upper snowpack, and use caution on northeast-facing slopes that may be wind-loaded.
Low-density surface snow may sluff and run far in steep terrain features.
Last weekend's storm brought 40 to 60 cm of new storm to treeline and above. Strong southwest winds formed pockets of wind slab on leeward slopes and behind terrain features. This recent storm snow sits above a raincrust buried mid-November up to approximately 2200 m. A suncrust may exist on steep south-facing slopes.
The average snow depths at treeline elevation are anywhere from 70 to 90 cm.
Below treeline the snowpack tapers significantly. Watch out for variable snow conditions and quality, as well as early-season hazards such as open creeks, rocks and stumps.
Wednesday Night
A mix of cloud and clear skies with a trace of new snow. 5 to 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow through the day with 5 to 10 cm overnight. 10 to 15 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 5 to 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
