Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells, West Purcell.
Assess for wind slabs before committing to terrain, especially near ridge crests.
Use extra caution in shallow snowpack areas where triggering avalanches is more likely.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A notable avalanche occurred near Golden on Saturday when a skier was caught in a size 2.5 wind slab avalanche (see MIN report).
Small natural and human-triggered wind slab avalanches continue to be reported on various aspects at treeline and above.
On Wednesday, a skier triggered a small persistent slab avalanche on Mount Goldie, likely releasing on the early December weak layer (see MIN report).
Snowpack Summary
Ongoing westerly wind has impacted the snowpack . Isolated wind slabs could exist on leeward aspects in the alpine and treeline.
The upper snowpack contains a variety of layers including one or more surface hoar layers just below the surface in sheltered terrain and a crust on or near the surface on solar aspects.
A weak layer buried in early December can be found down 40 cm in shallow areas and as much as 120 cm in deep snowpack areas. On shaded slopes, it consists of weak surface hoar or faceted crystals, while on south-facing slopes, it combines a sun crust with facets.
The snowpack base is composed of a thick crust and facets in many areas.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mix of cloud and clear sky with trace amounts of snow possible. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of snow possible. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of snow possible. 20 to 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Avoid thin areas like rocky outcrops where you're most likely to trigger avalanches on deep weak layers.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Ongoing westerly wind has affected windward slopes. Wind slabs may be found near ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
The weak layer from early December remains a concern in shallow snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3