Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Rockies.
Check for pockets of wind slab around steep and high-consequence features.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
Sunday night: Blustery with alpine flurries, up to 5 cm and higher amounts forecasted near Waterton NP. Increasing east wind. Ridgetop low -18 C.
Monday: Unsettled and convective. Light east wind gusty and increasing through the day. Ridgetop high -9 C.
Tuesday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Moderate to strong east wind. Ridgetop high -10 C.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Moderate east wind. Ridgetop high -10 C.
Avalanche Summary
Last avalanche reports were from Thursday when warm temperatures initiated wet loose avalanches to size 1.5.Â
Snowpack Summary
Up to 15 cm recent snow covers a crust on all aspects except high north terrain. Wind has impact snow at upper elevations, as it shifts east new wind slabs may reverse load features. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and bonded.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Easterly winds Monday could build fresh slabs in less common areas. Check for reactive slabs around steep and high-consequence slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2