South Rockies

Lingering wind slabs may remain possible to trigger on Saturday.

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs is most likely.

High

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

No new avalanches were reported on Thursday. However, observations in this region are very limited.

If you are heading into the backcountry, please consider sharing conditions by posting a MIN.

20 to 30 cm of recent snow and extreme southwest winds formed wind slabs on lee aspects at upper elevations. These slabs are most likely to be reactive on steep slopes below ridgetops. The recent snow sits on a thick crust.

The snowpack below is moist to ground and well settled in most locations, except northerly aspects in the alpine.

The snowpack depth tapers rapidly at lower elevations.

Friday Night
Mostly clear skies. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.