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. 

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with starry breaks, 10-20 km/hr east wind, treeline temperatures dropping to -18 C.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, increasing 15-25 km/hr southwest wind, freezing level rising to 1400, treeline temperatures warm to -4 C.

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

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud and incoming flurries, increasing southeast wind, freezing level rising above 1600 m, treeline temperatures above freezing.

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 affect has left a variety of surfaces, including lingering wind slabs in alpine terrain. In more sheltered valleys, around 20-40 cm wind-affected snow covers crust on all aspects to 2000 m and mountain tops on solar aspects. Another prominent crust layer is found 40-70 cm deep. Below treeline, the snowpack is diminishing quickly. Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.

• Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
• 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.