Wind is in the forecast, and dry snow is available for transport.
Monitor wind direction, watch for signs of transport, and keep an eye out for wind slab development.
Recent new snow is available for transport, and moderate wind in the forecast. Wind slabs are likely to develop at treeline and above. Common trigger areas like downslope of ridges and ribs should be avoided if wind transport is observed.
Facets have developed over a crust formed after the atmospheric river. This layer is now buried 50 to 70 cm deep and has been reactive in snowpack tests. Wind slab avalanches may be enough to trigger this layer.
Dry loose avalanche activity continued through Tuesday.
Going forward, snow is available for transport so wind slabs are likely to form in lee features.
Isolated flurries will bury a new crust formed on south aspects from strong radiation on Tuesday, and that remains soft on shaded aspects.
A crust formed after the atmospheric river is down 50 to 70 cm and facets have been observed over the crust. This layer has been reactive in snowpack tests in the crowsnest pass.
Below this, the snowpack is generally well consolidated with facets at the base of the snowpack in shallow areas near Elkford.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear skies. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
