Avalanche Forecast

High

• We are confident due to a stable weather pattern.

West of Invermere, a few large avalanches released over the weekend in alpine terrain, likely on facets above the mid-March crust. A northerly alpine wind slab was also triggered by riders near the Bugaboos. Otherwise, small loose wet avalanches released during warm weather.

A cooling trend should reduce the likelihood of triggering avalanches, but remain cautious around thin, rocky features and cornices.

Please consider sharing your observations to the MIN.

A surface crust exists to mountain tops on south-facing terrain. On shaded aspects, a surface crust may be found up to around 2400 m. Above this, 10 to 15 cm of soft snow may survive. Light snowfall will accumulate on these surfaces on Tuesday.

A thick crust from mid-March is 20 to 60 cm deep, which extends up to about 2300 m. Near Invermere, weak sugary facets may be found above this crust.

About 150 cm deep, the late-January facets and/or surface hoar may still be found, but is unlikely to be triggered due to the overlying crusts.

In shallow snowpack areas, depth hoar (large facets) can be found near the bottom of the snowpack.

Monday Night
Increasing clouds. 2 to 3 mm of rain at treeline. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds with isolated flurries. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds with isolated flurries. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• Avoid steep terrain that is rocky and thin.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.