South Rockies

Wind slab avalanches are possible at upper elevations. Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation and aspect.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Patchy clouds, no precipitation, moderate wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures drop to -8 C with freezing level dropping to valley bottom.

THURSDAY: Sunny periods in the morning then increasing cloud throughout the day, moderate to strong wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -2 C with freezing level climbing to 1800 m.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries easing off in the morning bringing trace amounts of snow, moderate wind from the southwest, freezing level around 1700 m.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the southwest, freezing level around 2000 m.

Avalanche activity since the weekend has mostly been small wind slab and dry loose avalanches. On Tuesday there were a few size 1 to 1.5 skier-triggered slabs on the eastern slopes of the Rockies as well as some natural size 2 avalanches near Elkford (photos here).

10 to 25 cm of recent snow should settle relatively quickly, although could remain reactive in wind-affected terrain. The surface is likely moist and crusty below roughly 1800 m. Several crusts can be found in the upper snowpack and recent observations suggest the snow is well bonded to these crusts.

• Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.