Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Regions
South Rockies.
Check out the South Rockies Blog for thoughts on early season forecasting in this region. If you have recent observations please send them to [email protected].
Confidence
Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Weather Forecast
Saturday: Cloudy with light snow and light but gusty westerly winds. Generally warm temperatures but freezing levels should remainin valley bottoms. Sunday: Light snow in the morning but picking up in the evening with an associated increase in westerly winds. Expect 5-10cm and moderate to strong westerly winds by the end of the day. Freezing levels should remain in valley bottoms. Monday: Continued moderate to locally heavy snowfall with the heaviest amounts likely on the east of the divide. Strong winds shifting to northeasterlies as temperatures drop.
Avalanche Summary
Smooth alpine slopes that did not previously slide may still be of concern. With very little data on the current conditions, you need to be your own detective out there. If you see or trigger an avalanche, please send us a note at: [email protected].
Snowpack Summary
Treeline snowpack depths in sheltered areas vary between approximately 40-100 cm. The current snowpack has been subjected to strong wind, cold temperatures and chinook driven warming. As a result it should be easy to find wind scoured snow, old wind slabs, crusts and faceted snow. Crusts with associated facets may be lurking near the base. This weakness may still be of concern on isolated smooth terrain features that have not seen avalanche activity.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.