South Rockies

With a sunny spring day, check for good overnight re-freeze and make sure to be off slopes before they turn mushy or wet.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries and risk of thundershower, 10 km/h west wind, alpine low temperature -6 C, freezing level falling below 1600 m.

SUNDAY: Mostly clear skies, 10-20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature +6 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2500 m.

MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks and isolated wet flurries, west wind gusting to 50 km/h, alpine high temperature +6 C.

TUESDAY: Wet flurries, 5-10 cm. West wind gusting to 30-50 km/h, alpine high temperature +1 C, daytime freezing level rising to 2300 m.

We have not received reports of avalanche observations in the past few days.

Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.

Sun and warm temperatures have moistened the snow up to 2300 m and all sun-exposed slopes. Cold, dry snow persists on more north-facing and shaded aspects in the alpine; in these areas use caution entering steep, lee terrain features below ridges, where wind slabs could be found. At ridge top, remember that cornices are large and looming.

Keep in mind that any snowpack can quickly loose strength when heat penetrates to deeper layers for the first time. Check for good overnight recovery - avoid slopes that do not get an overnight re-freeze.

• Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.
• Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
• Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.