North Rockies

Avalanche hazard is low with generally safe avalanche conditions.

A hard melt-freeze crust and the resulting tough travel conditions is likely the greatest hazard currently.

High

• We are confident due to a stable weather pattern.

No new avalanches have been reported in the past 4 days.

Thanks to everyone who has filled out a Mountain Information Network report.

A melt-freeze crust, with surface hoar above it, extends up to at least 2200 m on all aspects, this crust is likely breakable above 2000 m. On north aspects in the alpine, dry wind-affected snow may still be found. The snow surface may become moist on sun exposed slopes.

Cornices are large and overhanging.

The mid-December facet/crust layer is buried over 1 m deep and extends up to 2200 m. Triggering the crust is considered unlikely, except with large loads or in thin snowpack areas.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear skies. 10 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 to 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Friday
Sunny. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Saturday
Sunny. 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
• The snowpack is generally stable; it may be appropriate to step out into more complex terrain.