85-150 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will likely be reactive to human triggers; especially in wind-affected terrain at treeline and above.
Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
85-150 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will continue to be reactive to human triggers; especially in wind-affected terrain at treeline and above.
On Friday, numerous naturally triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported at all elevations in the Terrace region. The majority of these avalanches occurred on wind-loaded aspects (E/NE) at Treeline and above.
Additionally, some very large (up to size 3.5) naturally triggered storm slab avalanches were reported on large alpine avalanche paths in the Bear Pass area.
20-35 cm of new snow brings recent snow amounts to 85-150 cm at treeline and above. Strong southwest ridgetop winds have created thick wind slabs on lee aspects.
The recent snow overlies primarily hard snow surfaces.
The depth of the snowpack at treeline varies widely from 100-200 cm and tapers rapidly below treeline where the recent snow fell as rain.
Many early-season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks exist below treeline.
Saturday Night
Clearing skies / Moderate northwest ridgetop winds / Low temperature at treeline -8 C / Freezing level valley bottom.
Sunday
Mostly sunny / Light northwest ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -5 C / Freezing level valley bottom.
MondaySunny / Light southeast ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -10 C / Freezing level valley bottom.
TuesdaySunny / Light northeast ridgetop winds / High temperature at treeline -13 C / Freezing level valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
