Watch for changing conditions as you change aspect and elevation.
The highest avalanche danger will be on wind-loaded slopes, and steep slopes seeing intense spring sun.
Where powder snow prevails, check the bond of the new snow to old surfaces, especially around ridgelines or steep entrances. Warm temperatures may also increase the reactivity of lingering slabs.
Cornices are more likely to fall when the daytime temperature is at its highest and the sun is out.
Watch for sunny skies and warm spring temperatures to trigger wet loose avalanches on slopes facing the sun and at lower elevations. Expect this problem to increase at higher elevations over the weekend alongside rising freezing levels.
On Saturday, southeast of Glacier National Park, a small (size 1) remote human triggered avalanche was reported on a steep, wind-loaded feature.
On Friday, explosives triggered a size 2 storm slab and a few other storm slab naturals were also observed, most on north to northeast aspects around 2500 m. Riders were also able to initiate loose dry sluffing in steep terrain.
Please consider submitting a MIN to let us know what you're seeing out there.
Sun and rising freezing levels will turn snow moist during the day. Temperatures remain warm overnight. However, clear skies may promote some crust formation.
At higher elevations, 20 to 60 cm of recent snow sits on moist snow below treeline or a hard melt-freeze crust in the alpine. Some areas may have facets on this crust; field data is limited, so investigate in your area.
A thick crust from mid-March is 30-80 cm deep, which extends up to about 2400 m. Near Invermere, a weak layer of facets may be found above this crust.
Check out this Conditions Update for tips on managing the current spring conditions.
Sunday Night
Clear skies. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind, easing to 25 km/h through the night. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.
Monday
Sunny. 25 km/h west ridgetop wind rising to 40 km/h through the day. Treeline high 5 °C. Freezing level rising to 3000 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 3000 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 mm of rain at treeline. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
