Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells.
Very cold temperatures are likely the biggest hazard in the backcountry right now. Make conservative plans, even a small accident can have big consequences.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days.
If you are headed into the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
The upper snowpack at treeline and above is made up of wind effected surfaces and loose faceted snow in sheltered terrain.
The main layer of concern is the mid-November layer, which is made up of either surface hoar, facets, or crusts. It is now buried 40 to 80 cm deep. Avalanche activity on this layer has tapered off but it could still be possible to trigger this layer in isolated terrain features near treeline.
Alpine snowpack distribution is variable, with depths ranging from 70 to 140 cm.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow with light winds shifting from west to northeast by the morning. Low of -31 at -2000m.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Light northeast winds and a high of -29 at 2000m.
Thursday
Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Light variable winds and a high of -31 at 2000m.
Friday
Cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected. Southwest winds increasing throughout the day. High of -25 at 2000m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
A layer of surface hoar, facets and, a crust from mid november is buried around 40 cm deep but can be found down as much as 80 cm. This layer is becoming increasingly hard to trigger but could still be sensitive to rider traffic on isolated slopes at treeline where the snow above feels stiff and consolidated.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Wind slab could be found in isolated features on all aspects in the alpine. These slabs could be more reactive where they overlie facets.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5