Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells, West Purcell.
Small wind slabs may linger in isolated locations below alpine ridgetops.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, several skier triggered size 1 wind slabs were reported on lee aspects in the alpine.
NOTE: Observations are currently very limited in this region.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of recent snow may be found at upper elevations. This snow overlies a robust crust everywhere except northerly aspects at upper elevations. Recent westerly wind may have formed small wind slabs on lee aspects at upper elevations.
While weak layers at the bottom or middle of the snowpack have been a concern throughout the season, the current lack of avalanche activity and benign weather suggest they are not a concern at this time. They could become problematic again this spring whenever temperatures rise significantly.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 5 to 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 5 to 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.
Thursday
Sunny. 5 to 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2600 m.
Friday
Sunny. 5 to 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate big and steep terrain features before committing to them.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs may linger in isolated locations below alpine ridgetops.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5