Wind-loaded bowls and gullies may present as an appealing place to get some early-season turns, but they're also the places where avalanches are most likely to occur.
Pockets of wind-loaded snow sitting atop a weak, facetted lower snowpack may be found at higher elevations, primarily in east facing terrain features.
Last Thursday, a human-triggered size 1 was reported near Invermere at treeline on a west-facing slope. This avalanche failed on the facets at the base of the snowpack.
Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you do head out in the backcountry! 🙏
Expect early-season conditions with a shallower-than-average snowpack.
Surface hoar growth has been reported in some areas. A sun crust can be found on some steep south and west-facing slopes. In the alpine and on exposed treeline features, a mix of wind scouring and loading can be found from previous southwest winds.
A crust with facets or depth hoar exists at or near the ground, which has produced avalanches in the East Purcells and nearby Kananaskis Country. The snowpack is shallower than average for this time of year with depths at treeline ranging from 20 -50 cm, and tapers rapidly below.
Monday night
Clear periods, no precipitation, west alpine wind 5 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Valley cloud in many areas, clear above, no precipitation, west alpine wind 5 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C with an alpine temperature inversion.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, northwest alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, south alpine wind 5 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -11 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
