North Rockies

Use extra caution below ridgetops, in cross-loaded features, and around slopes that are being warmed by the sun.

Be ready to change plans with the potential for quick changes in the weather.

On Saturday, East of Mackenzie, in the Pine Pass area, some small, loose avalanches were reported in steep terrain. Loose Dry in steep, alpine, lee features, and Loose Wet from steep rocky outcrops well below tree line.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo. Heck, share what you had for lunch if that was the most eventful thing that happened:)

Pine Pass has been a hotspot for snowfall the last few days, with storm totals around 30cm. For most of the rest of the forecast area, 10cm of soft snow sits over a crust or moist snow on all aspects except north. Recent moderate southwest wind may have formed deeper, reactive pockets of windslab on leeward slopes. On high northerly slopes, the recent snow adds to settling snow from last week that sits on facets and small surface hoar.

The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

A weak layer of large facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is still a concern in shallow snowpack areas.

A generally convective weather pattern will mean that the next few days will have spotty areas of cloud and light snowfall, or quick bursts of intense snowfall, but it also might be sunny, and everything could change at the drop of a hat.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy. Possible trace of snow expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind, with possible periods of moderate. Freezing level falling to valley bottom. Treeline low around -9°C.

Monday

Partly cloudy. Possible trace of snow expected. Light west or southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1100 m. Treeline high around -6°C.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy. Possible trace of snow expected. Light variable wind, increasing in the afternoon. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1100 m.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.