North Rockies

Avoid north-facing alpine and treeline slopes, as this is where triggering persistent weak layers is most likely.

Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices.

On Tuesday, a few small wet loose avalanches were reported at low elevations.

Last week, several natural and rider-triggered wind slab and persistent slab avalanches were reported, up to size 2.5. These avalanches have mainly occurred in north-to-east facing alpine and treeline terrain.

Although no recent avalanche activity has been reported on this layer, it remains reactive in test pits, and professionals in the region are still concerned about it.

Up to 5 cm of snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on all aspects to 1600 m. Previous strong southwest wind built stiff wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline.

A weak layer of surface hoar or facets is found 20 to 50 cm down in many areas. A second weak layer buried 60 to 90 cm consists of surface hoar, facets. and/or a hard crust. These persistent layers remain a concern, with the potential for large step-down avalanches.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
• Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.