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We are off to an avalanchy start to the season!
Numerous large natural avalanches capable of injuring and/or burying people occurred during or just after the 11/8/23 storm.
Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at the mid to upper elavations. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making are essential when traveling in avalanche terrain, especially at the mid and upper elevations.
Please review the most recent observation made today which provides a good representation of the current situation.
Regular and detailed avalanche forecasts will begin next week.
A persistent weak layer problem will persist and continue to be problematic for backcountry travelers.
Numerous red flags for dangerous avalanche conditions were present today:
-Recent natural avalanches
-Whumphing and remotely triggered avalanches were reported today.
-Remotely triggered avalanches
-Poor structure exists. Weak early season snow near the base of the snowpack was identified.
-Propagation present in instability testing
-Recent rapid loading resulting in avalanche activity
The 11/8/23 storm brought 6-8″ of new snow at the upper elevations. Early season snow at the base of the snowpack is weak and failed with new snow and wind loading. We expect this weak layer to persist and continue to pose a problem to backcountry users.
Below is a picture taken today of the Northern face of peak 4068.