Early season hazards will be tougher to manage with grey skies and flurries in the forecast. Don't let poor visibility lead you into problematic terrain.
The base of the snowpack is weak and faceted. Steep pockets of deeper, wind-loaded snow are the most likely to break away from this weak base under the weight of a person or machine.
A few natural size two wind slab avalanches were reported last week at higher elevations. Little more is expected until it snows again.
Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you do head out in the backcountry! 🙏
Surface conditions are a mix of large surface hoar topping 10-20 cm of faceting storm snow in shaded, sheltered areas, sun crust on steep south and west-facing slopes, and wind effect in exposed terrain at treeline and above.
A crust with sugary facets beneath it can be found just above the ground.
Expect early-season conditions with a shallower-than-average snowpack. Coverage is reportedly poorest in the alpine and below treeline. At treeline, depths are between 60-100 cm.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with isolated flurries and minimal accumulations. Southeast alpine wind 15-25 km/h.
Friday
Cloudy with isolated flurries continuing from the overnight period. Still minimal accumulations. South or southwest alpine wind 15-25 km/h. Treeline temperature -8°C.
Saturday
Cloudy with flurries continuing from overnight and bringing 10-15 total cm of new snow. South or southwest alpine wind 30-50 km/h. Treeline temperature -7°C.
Sunday
Cloudy with snowfall bringing 10-15 cm of new snow. South alpine wind 50-60 km/h. Treeline temperature -4°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
