Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Esplanade, Purcells, St. Mary.
Remain cautious in high-consequence terrain.
Wind slabs may be reactive to human triggering in the alpine.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, a small naturally triggered wind slab occurred near Panorama and a skier triggered a large (size 2) loose dry avalanche in the Esplanades.
On Wednesday, a small remotely triggered wind slab occurred on a southwest alpine slope. Explosives triggered large cornices which then triggered a slab below. Whumpfing and shooting cracks were observed here.
Looking forward, we expect human triggering of small wind slabs and loose dry avalanches to remain possible.
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 surface hoar on all other aspects. A weak layer of facets from early December is buried 60 to 120 cm. The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust with facets or depth hoar in many areas.
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Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. 5 to 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud. 5 to 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. 15 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 5 to 10 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
- 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. Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Dry
Dry loose avalanches are possible in steep terrain where the snow is powdery and unconsolidated. Use appropriate sluff management techniques.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2