Wind slabs in the alpine and isolated treeline pockets continue to demand caution—evaluate steep slopes for fresh wind effect.
Moderate to strong westerly winds, along with isolated flurries, continue to form reactive wind slabs in leeward and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and treeline.
No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited at this time of year.
Let us know what you are seeing by posting a MIN if you are heading out in the backcountry!
Small amounts of new snow continue to accumulate, accompanied by moderate to strong westerly winds. In some areas, up to 20 cm of recent snow has likely buried a mix of faceted grains or surface hoar in sheltered locations. While firm, wind-affected snow exists in exposed terrain.
A supportive melt-freeze crust is present 20–50 cm below the surface at lower elevations, but appears to be generally absent at higher elevations below treeline (~1500 m) and above.
Average snow depths at treeline range from 40 to 70 cm.
At lower elevations, the snowpack thins significantly, and a rain crust may be encountered. Expect highly variable snow conditions and quality.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. Trace amounts of snow. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 8 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
