South Rockies

Caution as you transition into wind-exposed terrain. Avalanches are possible on alpine features where wind slabs have formed.

Ongoing strong westerly winds are likely creating wind slabs at upper elevations. 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.

The notable feature in the weather forecast for the next few days is very high winds at upper elevations.

Tuesday night: Cloudy, scattered snow with 3-5 cm possible, southwest winds 40-80 km/h, gusting to 100 km/h, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level around 1400 m.

Wednesday: Cloudy, scattered snow with 3-5 cm possible, southwest winds 40-80 km/h, gusting to 95 km/h, alpine high temperature -4 C, freezing level around 1500 m.

Thursday: Cloudy with periods of sun, isolated flurries with 2-4 cm possible, southwest winds 20-40 km/h, alpine high temperature -3 C, freezing level around 900 m.

Friday: Mix of sun and cloud, isolated flurries with a trace of accumulation, southwest winds 30-50 km/h, gusting to 95 km/h, alpine high temperature -2 C, freezing level around 1700 m.

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!