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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 2nd, 2026–Mar 3rd, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Dogtooth, East Purcell.

Large, persistent slab avalanches continue to be reported daily - many in steep treed areas.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We have higher uncertainty about treeline conditions due to persistent slabs.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, numerous natural, explosive, and rider-triggered avalanches were reported, including a size 2.5 avalanche triggered from 3 m away.

On Saturday, a widespread avalanche cycle to size 3 was reported, avalanches failed both within the recent storm snow and on persistent weak layers. Many avalanches were in steep open features; however, this MIN from Silent Pass reports a size 2.5 persistent slab avalanche below treeline.

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds have pressed surfaces and left slabs in lee terrain. Solar slopes have a crust and may become moist with daytime heating.

A weak layer of surface hoar or crust is buried 40 to 60 cm, with deeper areas reporting this layer up to 100 cm deep. Recent persistent slab avalanches have failed on this layer, many triggered in sheltered openings at treeline and below.

The mid and lower snowpack are well settled. In some areas, large facets and depth hoar are present at the bottom of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Clear skies. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 2 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.