Heightened avalanche conditions exist in wind-loaded terrain features at upper elevations.
Strong southwesterly winds and new snow will build pockets of cohesive slab in lee features at higher elevations. Be cautious transitioning into wind affected terrain.
On Monday, explosives control in the region produced a few size 1 wind slab avalanches.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Strong winds have created variable surfaces at treeline and above. 30 to 60 cm of dry snow sits above a rain crust. The greatest amounts are likely around Fernie, but any leeward terrain could have deeper deposits due to the recent southwest wind.
The lower snowpack was rain-soaked and has slowly refrozen. Typical snowpack depths at treeline are 75 to 130 cm, and taper rapidly below treeline.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, no precipitation, alpine wind southwest 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with isolated flurries, 1 to 4 cm accumulation, alpine wind southwest 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature -3°C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with isolated flurries, 1 to 4 cm accumulation, alpine wind west 40 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -1°C, freezing level rises to 2000 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, alpine wind west 40 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -1°C, freezing level rises to 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
