Avalanche Forecast
South Rockies
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain. The southern part of the region could receive 2-10 cm while the northern areas will see little to none.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity has been observed.
Submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A variety of snow surfaces exist throughout the region. Isolated and stubborn, small wind slabs may be found on varying aspects in the alpine. Windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock and sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes. In sheltered treeline and below treeline terrain, very large feathery surface hoar and surface facets (sugary snow) exist, likely providing decent riding conditions. These crystals do not pose hazard to us now, but once they get buried by new snow they can form a weak layer that could become reactive later.
The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can now be found approximately 15-20 cm down. A third crust from the end of October exists as a "facet/crust" combo near the base of the snowpack approximately 50-100 cm down and recent snowpack tests done on this layer are showing hard to no significant results. These rain crusts will likely be with us all winter but may not pose a problem until we see a significant change in the weather.
Check out this video from our South Rockies Field Team.
Weather Forecast
Friday: Cloudy with new snow amounts 2-10 cm. Alpine temperatures near -8 and freezing levels at valley bottom. Ridgetop winds light from the west.
Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -7. Ridgetop winds light with strong gusts from the southwest.
Sunday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures near -5 and freezing levels rising to 1000 m.
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Strong ridgetop winds may build fresh wind slabs on leeward slopes. Small, dry loose avalanches are possible, especially from steep terrain features.