A warm storm with mixed precipitation is approaching.
Avalanche hazard is expected to increase throughout the day Wednesday.
Stormy weather will likely create widespread slabs, which will be more reactive on leeward slopes. Precipitation at treeline could fall as snow or switch over to rain, so be alert to changing conditions at different elevations.
Wet loose avalanches will become likely as the snow surface becomes saturated by rain. A melt-freeze crust on the snow surface can temporarily stabilize the snowpack.
No recent avalanches were reported in the region. This past weekend, a large wind slab was accidentally triggered by a skier in Y Couloir of Mount Ronayne from a north alpine slope. Also, a natural avalanche (size 2.5) released naturally above Darkside Lake near Steep Peak.
If you're heading out into the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the MIN.
At elevations of 1800 m and above, 10 to 15 cm of new snow can be found. Strong wind has redistributed the recent snow on leeward features and scoured slopes on windward alpine terrain. A thin, breakable crust is now at the snow surface from 1800 m and below, due to cooling temperatures.
Several layers, including surface hoar, facets, and a thin crust, can be found 30 to 55 cm below the surface. A firm crust, formed in early November, is buried 50 to 90 cm at alpine and treeline elevations. Weak facets have been spotted above and below the crust.
Snowpack height averages around 100 cm at treeline and decreases rapidly below about 1500 m.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy. 15 to 30 cm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Thursday
Partially cloudy. Up to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. Up to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C. Freezing level 1300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
