Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells.
As new snow accumulates avalanche hazards will increase. Continue to give new snow time to settle and stabilize.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural, skier, and explosive-triggered avalanches were reported on Monday throughout the region. All avalanches slid on layers in the upper snowpack, up to 70 cm deep.
Snowpack Summary
As much as 50 cm of recent snowfall has buried various old surfaces, including faceted snow or surface hoar in north-facing terrain and sun crusts on south-facing slopes.
A widespread crust formed in early February is buried roughly 40 to 80 cm. In some areas, weak faceted crystals have formed above or below the crust, creating a problematic layer.
The mid and lower snowpack is largely faceted with depth hoar and a crust found at the bottom of the snowpack in many areas.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Good day to make conservative terrain choices.
- Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to the presence of deeply buried weak layers.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent storm snow has accumulated over various potential weak layers and good sliding surfaces throughout the upper snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A widespread crust formed in early February is a concern in areas where weak faceted crystals have formed above or below the crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Deep Persistent Slabs
The bottom of the snowpack remains generally weak and untrustworthy, especially at higher elevations where a protective crust above may not exist.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 4