Keep the possibility of rider-triggered wind slabs in mind. Steep, open terrain features—such as areas directly lee of ridges and rock outcrops, are the most likely trigger points.
Wind slabs be found in features that promote wind loading, such as cross loaded slopes behind ribs, gullies, and other terrain breaks. Due to reverse loading they may be found in less common terrain.
On Friday, near Fernie, a few size 1 loose dry avalanches were reported.
On Wednesday, west of Pincher Creek, explosive avalanche control produced a large (size 2) avalanche on a wind loaded northeast aspect in the alpine.
Snowpack observations are limited. Total snowpack depths are roughly 70 to 100 cm at treeline, tapering quickly at lower elevations.
Recent accumulated snow is soft and generally unconsolidated. It is sticking well to the harder crust layers underneath, which make up most of the lower snowpack.
In many areas, especially at treeline and below, there is not enough snow to overcome surface roughness and be above the threshold for avalanches.
Friday Night
Clear skies. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 to 15 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
