North Rockies

Small wind slabs may be forming at upper elevations, directly lee of high points and ridges.

Monitor the wind direction and verify conditions as you travel.

High

• We are confident due to a stable weather pattern.

No new avalanches have been reported in the past week.

Thanks to everyone who has filled out a Mountain Information Network report.

Isolated flurries have buried a layer of surface hoar that sits on a crust that extends up to at least 2000 m on all aspects. This crust is likely breakable on north aspects at treeline and above.

On north facing slopes in the alpine, dry wind-affected snow may still be found, and cornices are large and overhanging.

The mid-December facet/crust layer is buried over 1 m deep and extends up to 2200 m. Triggering the crust is considered unlikely, except with large loads or in thin snowpack areas.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.