South Rockies

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Saturday night: Light snow. Moderate to strong W winds. Freezing level at valley floor.Sunday: Moderate snow (amounts uncertain). Moderate to strong NW winds. Alpine temperature near -7.Monday: Light snow. Light SW winds. Alpine temperature near -8.Tuesday: Light snow. Light SW winds. Alpine temperature near -7.

A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred during the last storm in response to heavy rain and/or snow and wind loading. Many were loose wet avalanches in the size 1-2.5 range, which entrained loose moist snow as they traveled. Some size 3 avalanches were reported to have failed at ground in the SE corner of the region. Several wind slabs and cornice-triggered storm/wind slabs were also observed (photos here). By Friday, natural activity started to slow down.

The recent warm storm dropped 10-30 cm of dense snow above about 2000 m and soaked the snowpack with rain at lower elevations.  At high elevations, snow has been transported by strong SW and W winds, creating wind slabs. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas. The new snow was not bonding well to underlying surfaces during the storm. With cooling temperatures, the snowpack should start to stabilize and form a hard surface crust, which new snow may not bond well to. The midpack is generally well-settled.