Purcells

Remember that small avalanches can have big consequences in extreme terrain.

Continuously assess conditions as you move through terrain.

Over the past couple days natural and human triggered dry loose avalanches up to size 1 were observed on steep terrain. Natural icefall was also observed entraining mass, producing a size 2 dry loose avalanche and not a slab.

Exposed terrain in the alpine and treeline is generally wind-affected. In sheltered terrain 10 to 40 cm of faceted snow overlies a weak layer from late January. This layer consists of a crust on sun exposed slopes and a layer of surface hoar on all other aspects.

A weak layer of facets from early December is 60 to 120 cm deep.

The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust with facets or depth hoar in many areas.

Tuesday Night

Clear periods. 10 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -28 °C.

Wednesday

Sunny with some cloud. 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.