Purcells

Field observations are limited in the Purcells, so it is important to supplement this forecast with your own observations. If you get out this week, tell us what you see by posting to the MIN! (here)

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / light west wind / alpine low temperature near -12THURSDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light southwest winds / alpine high temperature near -7FRIDAY - Sunny with cloudy periods / light southwest winds / alpine high temperature near -7, low temperature near -8SATURDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods / light southwest winds / alpine high temperature near -6, low temperature near -9

Now new avalanches have been reported in the region.

Approximately 20 cm of snow fell last week with minimal wind effect, however it may still be possible to find wind slabs on lee and cross loaded terrain features. 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.Another notable feature in the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in the alpine.The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. 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.