Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Crawford, Dogtooth, East Purcell, Moyie, Purcells, St. Mary, West Purcell.
Large human-triggered avalanches will be possible in rocky, wind-affected areas.
The best and safest riding will be on sheltered and moderate-angled slopes.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, numerous natural slabs (up to size 2) and loose dry avalanches were reported throughout the region from steep alpine and treeline terrain. Storm slabs were reactive to skier traffic (size 1) in alpine and treeline terrain near Golden.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
The recent snowfall has accumulated to a total of 15 to 30 cm. Southwest wind has redistributed this new snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations.
A weak layer buried in early December is now about 40 to 90 cm below the surface. This layer varies, of weak surface hoar or facetted crystals on shaded slopes and a sun crust with facets on south-facing slopes.
The base of the snowpack is made up of a thick crust and facets in many areas.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud, with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud, with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rocky outcrops, and steep terrain where triggering is most likely.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snowfall and wind have formed wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded areas.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
In the mid-snowpack, buried surface hoar or facets may pose a risk on north-facing slopes, while a buried sun crust could be reactive in south-facing areas. In shallow snowpack areas, facets at the base of the snowpack are generally weak.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5