Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Purcells.
Confidence
Fair - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
High pressure will strengthen though the forecast period bringing strong inversions (warmer temperatures) at upper elevations. No precipitation expected.Sunday/ Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures 0 degrees. Freezing levels near 2500 m. Ridgetop winds from the NW. Tuesday: Mainly sunny. Alpine temperatures below 0 degrees. Freezing levels falling to 1300 m. Ridgetop winds will be light from the NW.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches reported. Earlier in the week a widespread cycle up to size 3 occurred throughout the region. Many of these avalanches ran on the October crust/ facet combo near the base of the snowpack.
Snowpack Summary
The average snowpack depths at upper elevations are near a metre or more. Wind slab problems likely exist on lee slopes.A bigger concern deeper in the snowpack is a melt-freeze / rain crust that formed early October. This is generally found from 70-120 cm down, with facetted (sugary) crystals above and below that are bonded poorly. The crust/ facet combo may be more predominant on Northerly aspects and allow for wider propagations, especially in places that have smooth ground cover (glacier ice, grassy slopes, rock slabs etc.).Snowpack conditions may change and deteriorate as temperatures rise in the alpine.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 4
Loose Wet
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3