Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, East Purcell, Elkford East, Elkford West, Purcells, South Rockies.
Rider triggered slab avalanches are sliding on a buried crust near the base of the snowpack.
Start conservative and watch for signs of instability like cracking or whumpfing.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Over the weekend, numerous natural and human-triggered persistent slab avalanches (up to size 2.5) were observed near Invermere. These primarily occurred on north through southeast aspects at treeline and above. Smaller wind slab avalanches could step-down to the basal facets, initiating a larger slab avalanche.
Information is very limited at the moment. Please consider submitting a MIN.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 15 cm of new snow fell over the weekend. In wind-exposed areas cracking and whumping have been reported.
Down 40 to 50 cm sits a layer of surface hoar primarily found on shaded slopes, or on a thin crust on sunny slopes.
A crust exists near the bottom of the snowpack. This crust may have weak, sugary facets on top.
Snowpack depths are reported to be 50-70 cm at treeline elevation.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with some clear periods. 15 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud, no new snow. 15 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Persistent slab avalanches have been reactive to rider triggering. This problem is most likely found in the alpine and at treeline on smooth slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Forecast wind may build fresh and reactive wind slabs at ridgeline and in exposed terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2