South Rockies

Watch for newly formed, reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

No new avalanches have been observed in the past few days, but observations are limited.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!

Up to 10 cm of recent snowfall exists in sheltered areas. Strong to extreme wind has formed firm, wind-affected surfaces at the treeline and above. Hard wind slabs have formed in lee and cross-loaded terrain.

A melt-freeze crust and facets exist in the upper snowpack, particularly in south-facing terrain. Winds likely have scoured recent snow, leaving the crust exposed on the surface in exposed areas.

Snowpack depth varies significantly across the region. Windward slopes may have as little as 50 cm of snow, while leeward slopes could have up to 200 cm

Thursday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with up to 1 cm of new snow. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 25 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with up to 2 cm of new snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest switching to northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.