North Rockies

Warm temperatures and strong solar radiation may have settled up to 35 cm of recent snow into a reactive slab in the alpine.

Stay alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

Numerous naturally triggered wet loose avalanches up to size 2 were reported on sunny aspects at all elevations on Wednesday.

If you are getting out into the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network).

Up to 35 cm of recent snow can be found at upper elevations and is settling rapidly with intense solar radiation and warm temperatures. Previous light southwest may have formed slabs on isolated lee features in the alpine.

The recent snow sits above a crust in most areas. The exception is on northerly aspects at upper elevations where it overlies dry snow.

Expect difficult travel at lower elevations with thin snow coverage.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 0 to 5 cm snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Saturday

Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Sunday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for additional weather information.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
• Use small low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.