Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Mar 21 – 22, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

10 to 15 cm of recent snow and southwest wind have formed wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs are more likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    10 to 15 cm of recent snow and southwest wind have formed wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.

    Expect strong solar radiation to increase the likelihood of triggering slabs.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3

    A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets is buried 40 to 80 cm. Rocky slopes with a convex shape on northerly and easterly facing aspects at treeline and above are the most likely places to trigger this layer.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Expect strong solar radiation to trigger small wet loose avalanches and increase the likelihood of triggering slabs.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Thursday. However, observations are limited in this region.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 15 cm of recent snow and southwest wind have formed wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.

Around 40 to 50 cm of snow overlies a melt-freeze crust, except for high-elevation north and east-facing slopes.

A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets from late January is down 50 to 100 cm. Rocky slopes with a convex shape on northerly and easterly facing aspects at treeline and above are the most likely places to trigger this layer.

Weather Summary

Friday night

Partly cloudy with 3 to 10 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h west winds. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy skies. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Monday

Mix of sun and cloud. 40 to 50 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level rapidly rising to 2400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

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