As you explore new terrain, check if the recent snow is sticking to the old surface.
Slopes sheltered from the wind and above the rain line should hold good riding and lower avalanche danger.
Recent snow and moderate to strong south through west wind has created wind slabs on leeward and cross-loaded slopes.
Retreat to mellower terrain if you find signs of instability like shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
On Monday, near Stewart, a couple small (size 1) loose wet avalanches were reported below treeline.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo or two.
Up to 25 cm of recent snow and moderate to strong southwest and west wind may have formed reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes in the alpine. Surface snow may be moist or soaked with rain at treeline and below.
Wind has varied in direction over the past week. Expect most exposed slopes to be wind-affected.
A layer of weak, feathery crystals buried in mid November is 30 to 50 cm deep in sheltered treeline terrain.
Below 1400 m, a 2 to 10 cm rain crust sits 40 to 60 cm down.
Above treeline, the snowpack is roughly 200 cm, tapering steadily with elevation to around 30 cm at valley bottom, where many early-season hazards remain just below the surface.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 5 to 20 cm of snow at treeline. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
