Purcells

Wind slabs may be more reactive where they sit above a buried weak layer. Field observations are limited, so it is important to supplement this forecast with your own observations. If you get out, tell us what you see by posting to the MIN! (here)

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

TUESDAY NIGHT - Clear periods / light to moderate northerly winds / alpine low temperature -14WEDNESDAY - Sunny with cloudy periods / light easterly winds / alpine high temperature -12THURSDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light westerly winds / alpine high temperature -6, low temperature -11FRIDAY - Sunny with cloudy periods / light southerly winds / alpine high temperature -5, low temperature -9

One size 1.5 wind slab avalanche was reported on a steep, cross loaded, rocky, north facing feature. Trigger type and elevation are unknown.Field observations in this region are very limited. If you have been in the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN)

The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Approximately 20 cm of snow fell last week which may have been blown into wind slabs on exposed north and northeast facing slopes. There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) being reported in the top 15-30cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.A prominent feature of the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer mainly exists in the alpine but it may be found at upper treeline elevations as well.Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine and tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and "hollow" feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.