Long Range Mountains

Avalanches are possible on steep wind-loaded slopes.

The Avalanche Canada field team observed a few size 2 wind slab avalanches last week. While we have no weekend observations, Friday's storm likely formed more wind slabs, which may still be possible for humans or snowmobiles to trigger in the coming days.

Winter arrived abruptly, building most of the snowpack in the past two weeks. Sheltered areas hold up to 100 cm of snow, while windward slopes are scoured, and leeward slopes may have up to 300 cm.

Friday's snowfall was accompanied by strong westerly winds, forming slabs on easterly aspects. With westerly winds persisting, expect more slabs to develop when it snows.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h northwest wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.

Sunday

Mix of sun and clouds with 1 to 2 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h west wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h west wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow (more in the south than north). 40 to 70 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.