South Rockies

Watch for ongoing loose wet avalanche activity on Saturday if temperatures don't drop overnight as forecast.

Poor - Freezing levels are uncertain

Friday night: No snow. Moderate W winds. Alpine temperature near -9. Saturday: Light snow. Moderate to strong W winds. Alpine temperature near -6.Sunday: Light snow. Moderate to strong NW winds. Alpine temperature near -9.Monday: Light snow. Light SW winds. Alpine temperature near -10.

A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred over the last couple of days in response to heavy rain and/or snow and wind loading. Many were loose wet avalanches in the size 1-2.5 range, which entrained loose moist snow as they travelled. Some size 3 avalanches were reported to have failed at ground in the SE corner of the region. Several wind slabs and cornice-triggered storm/wind slabs were also observed.

The recent warm storm dropped 10-30 cm of dense snow above about  2000 m and soaked the snowpack with rain below at lower elevations.  At high elevations, snow has been transported by strong SW and W winds, creating wind slabs. Cornices have become fragile with continued warmth. The new snow has not been bonding well to the underlying surfaces, causing natural avalanche activity. Deeper in the snowpack, crusts exist, which can act as sliding surfaces for large avalanches.