Use caution in wind-loaded areas in the alpine where snow remains dry and wind slabs linger.
Expect to find pockets of cohesive slab in wind-loaded alpine lees. Recent snow may be sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust making it possible to human trigger.
No new avalanches have been reported in the last week. However, observations have been minimal throughout the early winter.
Backcountry users should expect to see evidence of a natural wind slab avalanche cycle from within the weekend's storm, likely size 1 to 1.5, at higher elevations in steep unsupported terrain.
If you're heading out in the backcountry, please consider sharing any observations on the Mountain Information Network
In the alpine, 20 to 30 cm of wind affected snow overlies a series of crusts and facets.
Below 1900 meters, 5 to 15 cm of recent snow has buried a layer of surface hoar that may remain preserved in sheltered areas. 20 to 40 cm down is a widespread crust that is supportive at lower elevations, but becomes thinner and breakable around treeline elevations. Beneath the crust that snowpack is weak and faceted.
Overall, the snow depth remains relatively shallow, creating challenging travel conditions and numerous hazards present at or just below the snow surface across all elevations.
Monday Night
Clear skies with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 10 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C, freezing level drops to valley bottom.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level climbs to 1600 m.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, southwest alpine winds 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing levels 1600 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with scattered flurries, 5 cm accumulation, southwest alpine winds 20 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C, freezing levels 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
