Choose terrain sheltered from the wind for the lowest avalanche danger and the softest snow.
Cold temperatures are keeping the surface snow available for transport. Moderate winds from the east may be forming fresh, reactive wind slabs.
On Thursday, southwest of Pincher Creek, a small (size 1), rider triggered slab avalanche was reported in east facing treeline terrain. See the MIN post here for more information.
Expect to find 15 to 35 cm of soft snow on the surface in sheltered terrain, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. Wind has varied in direction, so expect to find wind slabs on all aspects.
The new snow may be bonding poorly to old surfaces, which include melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow at higher elevations.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
Friday
Partly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. 40 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C. Possible temperature inversion above 1700 m.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. Light variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C. Possible temperature inversion above 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
