South Rockies

Snowpack and avalanche observations are becoming scarce. If you've been in the backcountry, please tell us what you've seen here on the Mountain Information Network.

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

A storm system to the south of the border is creating unsettled conditions for the region. On Sunday, mostly cloudy conditions are expected with light scattered flurries. Alpine winds are expected to be strong from the NE to E and freezing levels are expected to reach around 1400m in the afternoon. More organized precipitation is expected for the region Sunday overnight and Monday. Models are currently showing 5-10mm but locally greater amounts are possible in eastern upslope areas. Alpine winds are forecast to be strong from the NE to E and freezing levels are expected to reach around 1400m. A ridge of high pressure builds on Tuesday and should bring dry and mainly clear conditions for the rest of the week. Freezing levels are expected to reach around 2000m on Tuesday and progressively climb higher later in the week.

Observations are becoming very limited as we enter spring. If you're out in the mountains, please consider posting your observations to our webpage. On Thursday, some loose sluffing was reported from steep terrain. On Saturday in the Lizard region, widespread sluffing was reported from steep terrain features and ski cutting produced soft slabs in wind loaded features. On Sunday, it may be possible to trigger new wind slabs in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline. Cornices may become touchy during the heat of the day. If the sun is out during the heat of the afternoon, extra caution should be given to all steep south facing slopes.

10-15cm of recent snowfall overlies a widespread supportive melt-freeze crust. Gusty winds have likely redistributed the surface snow resulting in wind slab formation in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline. The mid-March rain crust is down 35 to 70cm and has shown a good bond with snow above. Old persistent weak layers are still intact in the mid and lower snowpack and there may be potential for these layers to wake up with a big cornice fall, sustained warming and/or a significant rain event.