South Rockies

Watch for persistent slabs to become reactive as the temperature continues to rise.

In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.

On Thursday, explosives triggered a size 2 wind slab near Castle Mountain.

On Wednesday, a large (size 2.5) persistent slab failed on a north-facing alpine slope near Line Creek.

On Tuesday, there were reports of large (size 2) dry loose avalanches running in steep terrain. These were stepping down to a weak layer of facets buried in late January.

Significant wind effect at upper elevations, and some lingering stubborn wind slabs have been reported for areas east of the Continental Divide. Around 25 cm of recent settling snow sits on 20 to 40 cm of mostly faceted snow. This all rests on a weak layer of surface hoar or facets from late January now buried 40 to 60 cm. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.

Friday Night

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow / rain possible below 1600 m. 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow/ rain possible below 1700m. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.

Monday

Partly cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
• Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
• Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.