Avalanches are possible in wind loaded terrain.
Anticipate variable snow conditions and travel carefully due to early season hazards.
This storm is coming in warm and going out cold. Where snow is falling, it should stick to the old surface fairly well. Avalanches are most likely where strong winds are forming deeper pockets of snow over old, smooth, hard surfaces.
Small, naturally triggered wet loose avalanches were observed in steep, rocky terrain on Wednesday.
If you do head into the backcountry please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Following the warm storm, a shift to colder conditions occurred upon its departure. The expected new snow is likely to adhere well to the cold warm surface. Avalanches are anticipated primarily in upper treeline locations where strong southwest winds have built up deeper layers of snow over existing, smooth, and firm surfaces. Below the treeline, expect to encounter dirt or shallow, dense, moist, or wet snow.
The mid and lower snowpack is made up of a series of crusts and rounded grains. The snowpack is generally well consolidated.
Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, especially on south facing slopes. Early season hazards are just below the surface.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 5cm of new snow expected above 500 m. Treeline low around -5°C. Freezing level 500 m. Moderate west ridgetop wind.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. A trace of snow expected. . Treeline temperature around -5 °C. Freezing level 500 m. Light southwest ridgetop wind
Sunday
Mostly clear. No new snow expected. Treeline temperature around -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m, possible temperature inversion. Strong south ridgetop wind.
Monday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Freezing level around 1500 m. Strong south ridgetop wind.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
