South Rockies

Use caution in areas with cohesive surface slabs, as they are likely resting on top of weak faceted snow.

Two large, explosive-triggered avalanches (size 2 and 3) were reported on Monday in the south of the region. Both avalanches occurred around treeline elevations on southeast-facing slopes. The failure plane was faceted grains down 30 to 50 cm.

On Tuesday, several wet loose avalanches triggered by solar input were observed in steep south-facing terrain. Many of which scrubbed down to facet layers below, running full path, to size 2.

Recent snowfall continues to be redistributed by southwest winds. Moist snow surfaces are found below treeline. This new snow overlies previously wind-affected surfaces and weak faceted grains.

In most areas, a significant crust combined with facets continues to be reported down roughly 40 to 60 cm from the surface.

The lower snowpack contains a series of crusts and faceted snow.

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 30 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 30 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 30 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.