South Rockies

Avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes. Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to rider-triggering.

On Wednesday, skier-triggered wind slabs (size 1) were reported from alpine and treeline terrain.

On Thursday, explosive control produced one size 1 wind slab from alpine terrain.

Up to 20 cm of recent snowfall accompanied by southwest winds created wind slabs in lee areas and scoured surfaces at alpine and treeline elevations.

Below the recent snow is a melt-freeze crust on south-facing slopes and hard, wind-pressed snow in exposed terrain.

The snowpack depth varies greatly, windward slopes may only have 50 cm on them while leeward slopes could have as much as 200 cm.

Friday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with up to 2 cm of new snow. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.