North Rockies

A substantial amount of new snow is loading buried weak layers. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are very likely.

Stormy conditions are limiting avalanche observations, but we suspect that natural avalanches are releasing during periods of heavy snow loading. The photo below shows one naturally triggered avalanche near Core Lodge. Natural and human-triggered avalanches remain very likely for Wednesday.

Stormy conditions continue, with more snow building on the 50 to 80 cm of we've received since the weekend. The snow continues with strong southwest wind, forming deeper and touchier deposits in lee terrain features.

All this snow is loading a weak layer of surface hoar and/or faceted grains found in the middle of the snowpack. The layer of facets may be associated with a hard melt-freeze crust. In thin snowpack areas, faceted grains may extend to the ground.

Average snow depths at treeline range from 80 to 120 cm and decrease rapidly at lower elevations.

Tuesday Night
Cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow with local areas up to 30 cm possible. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Wednesday
Cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.