Purcells

Overnight snow and wind are expected to form fresh and reactive wind slabs at higher elevations. Head to sheltered terrain for the best riding.

With the recent snowfall we expect slabs to be reactive to rider traffic.

If you are out and about in the mountains, please consider posting your observations to the MIN.

The upper snowpack is a mix of wind-affected snow in open areas and softer snow in sheltered spots, sitting on top of faceted snow or surface hoar. Recent storm snow totals vary from 10-30 cm throughout the region.

A crust from mid November is buried 20-30 cm deep. Lower in the snowpack, there are several crusts, and in some areas a weak, sugary facets can be found near the ground.

Snowpack depths range from 70–90 cm, thinning quickly at lower elevations. In many areas, especially below treeline, slopes lack enough snow to cover ground roughness and produce avalanches.

Monday Night
Cloudy. Up to 25 cm of snow in the west Purcells and Bull area, 10 cm elsewhere. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.