Purcells

Some thin new wind slabs may develop due to changing wind directions and forecast new snow.

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Expect 2-3 cm of new snow overnight combined with moderate southwest winds and alpine temperatures around -15. Another 2-3 cm on Sunday with moderate westerly winds. Clear and cold on Monday with moderate northwest winds and alpine temperatures around -20. Clear and cold on Tuesday with light winds.

Size 1.0 wind slabs were skier controlled on Saturday, these releases were 10cm deep. One size 2.0 wind slab was released by explosives, and one size 2.0 wind slab was skier controlled on Friday.

Recent snow has formed wind slabs on northerly aspects in the alpine that are reactive to light additional loads like a single skier/rider. The cold temperatures and clear skies are developing near surface facets, and may be preserving surface hoar that was buried on the weekend. Alpine snow depths are around 120-170 cm, and the widespread mid-november crust is buried down around 70-90 cm. Snowpack and crust depths increase as you move west into the Selkirks. It sounds like there is a bit less snow on the ground in the south of the region, but we have not had many observations at this time. If you dig down to the crust, watch for facets developing above and below that may provide a hard surface with a weak sliding layer in the future. Please let us know what you find by posting to the MIN (Mountain Information Network).