North Rockies

Assess for new and possibly reactive wind slabs near ridge tops.

Recent moderate wind may have transported surface snow into lee slopes.

Moderate

• We are uncertain whether the wind will be enough to form new wind slabs.

A few small dry loose avalanches were reported over the weekend involving 30 cm of low-density snow above a crust.

Observations are limited in the region. If your heading out please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.

A few centimeters of new snow with light to moderate wind is expected by Thursday morning. This will add to up to 30 cm of low density snow reported in the region. A crust may exist on sun exposed slopes on or just below the surface.

A thick crust from the mid-March atmospheric river is buried 40 to 80 cm deep and extends up to about 1500 m.

Below the crust, the snowpack is strong and well bonded.

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.