Caution as you transition into wind-exposed terrain. Avalanches are possible on alpine features where wind slabs have formed.
Recent strong winds have likely been forming new wind slabs, which sit on sugary faceted snow. Use caution in wind-affected terrain.
Wednesday night: Decreasing clouds, isolated flurries with a trace of accumulation, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -8 C
Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud, isolated flurries with a trace of accumulation, light southwest winds, alpine high temperature -3 C, freezing level around 1200 m.
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud, isolated flurries with a trace of accumulation, moderate southwest winds, alpine high temperature -2 C, freezing level around 1700 m.
Saturday: Cloudy with periods of sun and snow with 4-8 cm possible, moderate southwest winds, alpine high temperature -2 C, freezing level dropping from around 1700 m
There have been no recent avalanches reported in the region. If you are getting out into the mountains, let us know what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network!
Ongoing strong westerly winds have likely been creating wind slabs at upper elevations on lee terrain features. Snowpack depths are highly variable this early in the season with amounts ranging between 50-100 cm at higher elevations, and tapering rapidly below treeline (check out this MIN report from Imperial Ridge). A crust has been reported in the middle of the snowpack.
