North Rockies

Assess the bond between wind slabs and the underlying crust before committing to steep terrain.

Moderate

• We are uncertain about alpine conditions due to limited field observations.

A few small dry loose avalanches were reported over the weekend involving 30 cm of low-density snow above a crust. Otherwise, recent activity is limited to older wind slabs from last week’s storm.

Wind slabs may remain reactive longer than usual due to poor bonding to the crust.

5 to 30 cm of low-density snow fell over the weekend, now sitting over older wind-affected snow.

A thick crust from the mid-March atmospheric river is buried 30 to 60 cm deep and extends up to about 1500 m.

Below the crust, the snowpack is strong and well bonded.

Monday Night

Mostly clear skies. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 0 to 1 cm of snow. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.