Look for areas that have been sheltered from the wind for the lowest avalanche danger and the softest snow.
Wind slabs are a concern at all elevations.
Cold temperatures are keeping the surface snow available for transport. Moderate winds may be forming fresh, reactive wind slabs.
Friday: The south rockies field team found hard wind slab in the treeline and below treeline see their MIN report here.
Thursday: Southwest of Pincher Creek, a small (size 1), rider triggered slab avalanche was reported in east facing treeline terrain. See the MIN post here for more information.
Ongoing sluffing from steep terrain has been reported throughout the region.
15 to 35 cm of soft snow is on the surface in sheltered terrain, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. Wind has varied in direction and speed, so expect to find wind affect on all aspects.
The new snow may be bonding poorly to old surfaces, which include melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow at higher elevations.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Sunday
Partly cloudy with flurries. 10 to 20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
