North Rockies

Watch for wind slabs in steep alpine terrain as the cold winter-like conditions persist. Check out the newest forecaster blog as you start planning your spring objectives.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy along the eastern slopes and mostly clear skies along the western slopes, 20-35 km/h wind from the northeast, treeline temperatures dropping below -15 C.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 20-35 km/hr east wind, decreasing through day, treeline temperatures warm to -8 C.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light east wind, treeline temperatures warm to -4 C.

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, increasing southwest wind, treeline temperatures warm to -2 C.

The last reported avalanche activity is from Monday, when there were a few large natural and human-triggered wind slabs (size 2) on various aspects in alpine terrain. We suspect the reactivity of these wind slabs is diminishing under the current weather pattern.

Recent wind has come from various directions, producing a variety of wind affected surfaces and including some lingering wind slabs in alpine terrain. 20-40 cm recent snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects to at least 2000 m and sun crust which extends to mountain tops on solar aspects. Another prominent crust layer is found 40-70 cm deep.

Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.

• Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.