Direct sun and rising freezing levels could weaken the snowpack on southerly aspects.
Be aware of step-down failures into deep persistent weak layers.
Approach shallow rocky areas with caution.
The base of the snowpack remains very weak and avalanches are unpredictable. Very large human-triggered avalanches are possible at treeline and above. Avoid thin, rocky start zones and shallow areas with variable snowpack depths where you are most likely to trigger this layer.
We suspect that wet loose avalanches occurred Tuesday on south aspects throughout the region, as conditions were clear and sunny.
Several dry loose avalanches (size 1) were naturally triggered within the recent snow on steep northerly alpine features near St.Mary's over the weekend.
While activity may have started to taper off on the deeper layers, some locations in the region (especially thin, rocky areas in the alpine) are still of concern.
At upper elevations, up to 15 cm of recent snow was received since Saturday. This overlies a crust on solar aspects, faceted snow and surface hoar up in shaded and wind-sheltered areas. Wind-affected surfaces are found in exposed areas. At lower elevations, a crust exists on or near the surface.
In the middle of the snowpack, there are at least a couple of lingering persistent weak layers, including surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain and a sun crust on south aspects. These layers appear to have generally gone dormant, but could still be reactive in isolated areas and should be on your radar in the Purcells part of the region.
The lower snowpack is made up of a widespread layer of large, weak basal facets and depth hoar in some areas. This weakness has been responsible for a number of recent very large, destructive avalanches and will continue to be a concern.
The region will be under a building ridge of high pressure, with calm and dry conditions for the next few days.
Tuesday night
Clear with cloudy periods. Low alpine temperatures of -9 °C. Light easterly ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Wednesday
Generally sunny. High alpine temperatures of -1 °C. Light easterly ridge wind. Freezing level rises to 2000 metres.
Thursday
A mix of sun and clouds. High alpine temperatures of -1 °C. Light westerly ridge wind gusting 30 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1800 metres.
Friday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Isolated flurries. High alpine temperatures of -3 °C. Moderate westerly ridge wind. Freezing level rises to 1800 metres.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
