Purcells

Watch for pockets of fresh wind slab as you gain elevation, while at lower elevations the hazard remains typical early-season conditions.

Over the last 4 days, size 1-1.5 wind slabs and loose dry avalanches have been consistently reported - reflecting the range of conditions found at higher elevations.

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. 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 60–80 cm, thinning quickly at lower elevations. In many areas, especially below treeline, slopes lack enough snow to cover ground roughness and produce avalanches.

Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 to 15 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline in the morning. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.