Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells, West Purcell.
Avoid travelling near or below cornices
Solar input will increase the likelihood of falling cornices, which are capable of triggering large avalanches on the slopes below
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Over the past 4 days explosives were used to drop cornices, some of these cornices triggered persistent slabs on the slopes below. The resulting avalanches were up to size 3 with crowns as deep as 3 meters.
On Tuesday several remote and naturally triggered cornice failures were reported. Some of these pulled slabs on the slopes below.
Snowpack Summary
During the day on Friday the snow surface will become moist below treeline and on all sun exposed slopes. On north facing terrain at treeline and above, up to 30 cm overlies a crust from late March.
Several weak layers from early March, mid February and late January can be found in the mid and lower snowpack. These layers remain a concern where a thick crust isn’t present above.
The base of the snowpack is generally faceted.
Check out our most recent blog for more information on conditions.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Friday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 2300 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 2700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Avoid sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.
Avalanche Problems
Cornices
Cornices have failed naturally in the region. Give these hazards a wide berth.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
Various weak layers from the past 3 months are a concern in shallow north facing terrain. Be especially leary of slopes that match this description and have a cornice above.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2.5 - 3.5
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are possible on sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations.
Dry loose avalanches are possible where new snow hasn’t formed a slab or become moist.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5