South Rockies

Strong winds and rising freezing levels are the major players affecting the snowpack. Watch for new wind slab development and sluffing from steeper terrain. Give info, get info! Check out the Mountain Information Network.

A series of Pacific storms will take aim at the coastal regions bringing strong winds, warmer temperatures and heavy precipitation. The Interior will receive lighter amounts of precipitation (3-8 cm) on Thursday accompanied by strong-extreme SW  winds and freezing levels could rise to 2000 m.  Friday will be slightly cooler and dryer before the next system reaches us on Saturday bringing snow amounts 5-12 cm, strong SW winds and rising freezing levels to 1900 m.

No recent avalanches have been reported. However, new wind slabs may develop with strong winds and rising freezing levels. Watch loose dry avalanches from steeper terrain features. If you are out in the mountains, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack observations have been very limited. Initial reports suggest there is enough snow above 1700 m for avalanches to occur. Terrain below treeline is reported to be below threshold for avalanche activity. Current surfaces are a mix of stubborn wind slabs and crusts in exposed higher elevation terrain, and loose faceted snow and surface hoar in more sheltered areas. About 15 cm below the surface you may find a thick rain crust which exists up to at least treeline elevation. Where it exists, this crust has added strength to the current snowpack. That said, the combination of a crust, facets and surface hoar could prove to be a significant weak layer when it finally snows again. In general there is a lot of uncertainty regarding snowpack structure throughout the region. I would dig down and test for weak layers before committing to any steeper lines.