Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Esplanade, Purcells.
Wind slabs may be reactive to human triggering in the alpine.
Assess snowpack conditions as you travel through the terrain.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday a few human triggered wind slabs were reported up to size 1 in north-facing, alpine terrain.
If you head into the backcountry consider submitting a MIN post!
Snowpack Summary
Exposed terrain in the alpine and treeline is generally wind-affected. In sheltered terrain 10 to 40 cm of faceted snow overlies a weak layer from late January. This layer consists of a crust on sun exposed slopes and a layer of surface hoar on all other aspects.
A weak layer of facets from early December is 60 to 120 cm deep.
The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust with facets or depth hoar in many areas.
Â
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Clear with cloudy periods. 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud with a trace of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Rider triggerable pockets of wind slab may still be found in exposed terrain.
Where slab properties are not observed dry loose avalanches are possible.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5