Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells, West Purcell.
The cooler weather has helped to stabilize the snowpack, however we continue to be wary of deeply buried weak layers.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There is now new avalanche activity to report.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of new snow has accumulated over a crust that varies in thickness and elevation throughout the forecast area. In the Dogtooth Range, this crust thins in the alpine and becomes breakable.
Below the fresh snow and mentioned crust, there is around 50 cm of moist snow with multiple crust and facet layers beneath. The base contains weak faceted grains and depth hoar, which will be continue to be monitored for reactivity.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. Alpine wind southwest 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks and isolated flurries. Alpine wind southeast 15 to 35 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Alpine wind southeast 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine wind southeast 5 to10 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
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 shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for reactivity in wind-affected features where fresh snow has fallen.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
Multiple weak layers in the snowpack remain a concern. Most specifically facets on crust near the base of the snowpack. Be especially cautious in areas where the recently formed crusts near the surface are not supportive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3