South Rockies

Good

Synopsis: Generally very fine weather with cool overnight temperatures and warm, sunny days.Sunday, Monday and Tuesday: Clear and sunny. Freezing level around 1800 m, becoming slightly higher each day. Light winds.

A couple of large natural avalanches were reported from northeast of Sparwood that likely ran on Wednesday or Thursday on the buried rain crust. On Friday, a few cornice releases were observed and sluffing was noted in the new snow on steep terrain.

Approximately 40-70 cm recent storm snow sits on top of a buried rain crust that exists up to around 2100 m. In areas near Sparwood, the new snow initially bonded poorly to this crust, and a few large avalanches were observed that likely released on this layer. In the North Elk Valley, the bond at the crust was reported to be good. Generally, this interface has now become stronger for all parts of the region, and is now considered unlikely to release due to the weight of a person alone. However, a large trigger, such as a cornice fall, or an airborne sledder, could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer in steep terrain. Recent wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge lines and terrain features. Cornices are large and fragile. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well-settled.