South Rockies

Observations from the region have been very limited recently. If you are out in the mountains, please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network and help us improve the bulletin. Click here for more details.

Low - Due to the number of field observations

SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Light to moderate west wind / Alpine temperature -5 / Freezing level 1500mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light south wind / Alpine temperature -4 / Freezing level 1600mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southeast wind / Alpine temperature 1 / Freezing level 2300m

Recent reports indicate several natural storm slab and cornice triggered avalanches to size 2 on all aspects tree line and above. Exposure to large overhanging cornices remains a significant concern. As the sun comes out over the weekend I would expect see cornices weaken and loose snow avalanches run from steep sun exposed slopes during the warmest parts of the day.

Moist new snow falling last week above tree line has been redistributed by south and southeast winds. Cornices remain large and continue to become more overhanging. The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Expect the entire thickness of the snowpack to be moist or wet at lower elevations. At upper elevations, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, however there still is uncertainty to this layer's reactivity. That being said, a heavy load like a cornice fall or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.