South Rockies

A shift in the weather will increase avalanche hazard once it starts to snow. If you see anything of interest, remember to let us know by submitting an observation using the CAC Mobile app.

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Synopsis: A strong Westerly offshore flow pattern is becoming established which is allowing a series of systems to come through for the remainder of the week. Tonight and Monday: A first frontal system approaches later Monday spreading light precipitation to the region. 5-10 cm of snow amount are forecasted with winds increasing to strong from the SW. Freezing levels are forecasted remain at the surface.Tuesday: Another, stronger system moves across the region spreading moderate amounts of precipitation with strong SW winds later during the day. Freezing levels are forecasted to rise to 1000 m briefly. Precipitation amounts are forecasted to be from 10 to 15 cm.Wednesday: Another system is forecasted to come through, expect moderate to heavy precipitation with similar freezing levels.

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snow should start falling tomorrow during the day, slowly adding load to the snowpack. The new snow will fall on a variety of weak layers such as surface facets, on a new surface hoar layer in sheltered areas, or on 10-40 cm thick hard windslabs in the alpine. The bond of the new snow with these surfaces is expected to be poor. At treeline, 15 cm below these layers exist another surface hoar or suncrust layer that was buried late in January. The mid snowpack is strong and supportive. Deeper persistent layers have been dormant, however they could wake up again if the forecasted light to moderate precipitation amounts end up having more punch.