North Rockies

Recent snowfall amounts vary through the region. Recent snow will be most reactive where it has been blown into wind slabs.

Low

• Recent weather patterns have resulted in a high degree of snowpack variability within the region.

On Wednesday, a natural size 2 wind slab was reported in the Pine Pass area. On Thursday in the McGregor ranges, audible large avalanches were heard but not seen, and small slabs were reactive to skier traffic.

30 to 50 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust that extends up to 2000 m. The surface snow has been heavily impacted by wind in open terrain features.

A layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust exists around 100 cm deep. This layer appears to be improving but may still be present in high alpine terrain. In thin snowpack areas, faceted grains or depth hoar may exist at the base of the snowpack.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.