North Rockies

Exposed areas will hold a mixed bag of wind affected surfaces. There is potential for new wind slab development as westerly winds increase.

No new avalanches have been reported in the last 2 days aside from evidence of a natural cycle during the strong easterly winds. Moving forward expect reactivity where the wind is able to transport snow back onto east facing slopes.

Observations remain very limited this early in the season. If you head into the backcountry, please post to the Mountain Information Network!

Exposed slopes have been highly wind affected by strong and variable winds. Expect to find areas of wind loading while some slopes (mainly east facing) may have been stripped back to crust or rock. West winds may build wind slabs on east facing slopes, where soft snow is available for transport. Wind sheltered areas may hold up to 40 cm of settling snow, and the best riding conditions.

Facets or surface hoar may exist on a crust buried in early November, approximately 70 cm deep. At the northern end of this region, expect to find weak and sugary depth hoar near the ground.

Treeline snowpack depths are around 100 cm. Most below treeline slopes remain below threshold to produce avalanches.

Monday Night

Mostly clear skies. Westerly winds increasing overnight, reaching 50 km/h at ridgetop. Treeline temperatures around -15 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly clear skies. Strong westerly winds at ridgetop, 40-60 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -12 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with flurries. 30-50 km/h westerly ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 10-20 cm of snowfall. 40-60 km/h westerly ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.