Fresh, reactive wind slabs are brewing up high. Down low, early-season terrain is a rugged maze—plan your access wisely.
Strong westerly winds and up to 15 cm of new snow on Monday may form fresh, reactive slabs in the alpine and treeline.
No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited at this time of year. New snow and wind may form fresh, reactive wind slabs on Monday.
Let us know what you are seeing by posting a MIN if you are heading out in the backcountry!
Up to 15 cm of new snow covers faceted snow or surface hoar in sheltered areas and firm wind-affected snow in open areas. A supportive melt-freeze crust is down 20 to 50 cm and exists up to 1300 m, disappearing around 1500 m and higher.
The average snow depths at treeline elevation are anywhere from 40 to 60 cm.
Below treeline, the snowpack tapers significantly, and a rain crust may be found.
Watch out for variable snow conditions and quality—early-season hazards such as open creeks, rocks, and stumps are abundant.
Partly cloudy. Trace to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow at treeline. 40 to 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
A mix of sun and cloud. Trace to 3 cm of snow at treeline. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Mix of sun and clouds. Trace to 3 cm of snow at treeline. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
