Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Purcells.
Wind blowing from the west has created fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. Weak layers near the base of the snowpack remain a concern in steep rocky terrain.
Confidence
No Rating - Uncertainty is due to extremely variable snowpack conditions reported through the region.
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY Night: Scattered flurries, accumulation 2-5 cm, moderate to strong west wind, alpine high temperature -7 C.
WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy, moderate west and southwest wind, alpine high temperature -7 C.
THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine high temperature -6 C.
FRIDAY: Snow, accumulation 10-20 cm, moderate to strong south wind, alpine high temperature -2 C.
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday there was a report of a size 3 explosives controlled deep persistent slab avalanche on a north aspect in the alpine. The fracture was 150 cm deep. On Monday there were also reports of a few explosives controlled size 1.5 deep persistent avalanches on north aspects at tree line.
Snowpack Summary
So far this season's snowpack has a high degree of variability. Anywhere from 15 to 40 cm of snow may sit on a weak layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline. A second layer of surface hoar primarily found in the in north of the region is found 40-60 cm below the surface in sheltered areas at treeline.
There are a variety of crusts buried in the mid to lower snowpack. These crusts have mostly broken down. The base of the snowpack generally consists of facets and depth hoar.