A weak, cold storm system is expected to graze the Northern Rockies on Wednesday, introducing periods of light snow over the Continental Divide along with breezy east winds. A period of high pressure lasting through the weekend will follow. There is hope on the horizon with a series of Pacific storms expected to head our way next week. Fingers crossed!

Our snow surface is mostly composed of low-density new snow and facets.  It won't take much wind to easily drift this snow into shallow soft slabs. Wednesday's wind forecast is calling for easterly winds gusting to 30 mph at high elevations.  If the forecast verifies, shallow soft slabs will form on facets, crusts, and powder and will likely be sensitive to human triggers for several days. Pay attention for signs of wind transport as you gain elevation.  On wind protected slopes, the snowpack is generally stable apart from shallow sluffs in very steep terrain. Natural loose snow avalanches are possible from solar warming: mind your overhead hazards below long running gullies.

Area wide our snowpack is extremely thin below about 6000' with snowdepths between 2-3' above 6000'.  The combination of thin snow cover and cold temperatures has left us with a weak snowpack foundation. Think of building your dream house with a foundation made of 2x4"s.  If next weeks storms come to fruition avalanche danger will rapidly increase. Think of adding a floor of 8x8"s, steel I-Beams or perhaps even a slab of concrete. To find out more about our snowpack, weather and what's new with FAC check out Zach's recent blog post. 

This is an early season snowpack update.  The FAC will continue to monitor conditions and update information as conditions warrant.  Daily advisories will begin on Sunday, December 9th. If you get into the mountains, let us know what you see. 

Our next Avalanche Awareness talk is this Thursday (12/6) at the Kalispell Sportsmans & Ski Haus at 6:30 p.m.!