Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Rockies.
Caution as you transition into wind-exposed terrain. Avalanches are possible on alpine features where wind slabs have formed.
Confidence
Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday night: Decreasing clouds, isolated flurries with a trace of accumulation, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -8 C
Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud, isolated flurries with a trace of accumulation, light southwest winds, alpine high temperature -3 C, freezing level around 1200 m.
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud, isolated flurries with a trace of accumulation, moderate southwest winds, alpine high temperature -2 C, freezing level around 1700 m.
Saturday: Cloudy with periods of sun and snow with 4-8 cm possible, moderate southwest winds, alpine high temperature -2 C, freezing level dropping from around 1700 m
Avalanche Summary
There have been no recent avalanches reported in the region. If you are getting out into the mountains, let us know what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network!
Snowpack Summary
Ongoing strong westerly winds have likely been creating wind slabs at upper elevations on lee terrain features. Snowpack depths are highly variable this early in the season with amounts ranging between 50-100 cm at higher elevations, and tapering rapidly below treeline (check out this MIN report from Imperial Ridge). A crust has been reported in the middle of the snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong winds have likely been forming new wind slabs, which sit on sugary faceted snow. Use caution in wind-affected terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5