South Rockies

Concern remains for the weak layers that exist near the base of the snowpack. These deep persistent weak layers can be very difficult to manage, so a conservative approach to terrain is recommended.

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

Freezing levels and alpine temperatures are tricky to forecast in the coming days with mild temperatures and temperature inversions dominating the weather pattern this week. TUESDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest winds, 30-60 km/h / alpine low temperature near -9WEDNESDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest winds, 40-60 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / Alpine temperature inversionTHURSDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest winds, 30-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near 0 / alpine temperature inversionFRIDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods / southwest winds, 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near 0 / alpine temperature inversion

No new avalanches have been reported in the region since Saturday.On Saturday a size 2.5 explosives triggered wind slab was reported on a southeast aspect at 2000m. On Friday an explosives triggered deep persistent slab size 2.5 was reported on an east aspect at 2100m

Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. Upwards of 50-60 cm of snow fell late last week above 1500 m. The snow fell with strong southwest winds and sits on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas. Below 1500 m, expect to find a hard crust at or near the snow surface.For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.