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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 14th, 2025–Mar 15th, 2025
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: East Purcell, Purcells, St. Mary.

Avoid wind-loaded features.

Wind slabs could step down to a deeper persistent weak layer triggering a much larger avalanche.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Thurs: A large (size 2) naturally-triggered persistent slab near Invermere and a size 2.5 persistent slab south of Kimberly were observed.

Tues: Avalanche control produced large avalanches (up to size 3.5) in the central-western part of the region.

Mon: Extensive storm and wind slabs were observed, some notably stepping down to deeper persistent weak layers.

Looking forward: We expect both wind slabs and persistent slabs to remain triggerable over the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 30 cm of snow fell over the last few days. At lower elevations, and on sunny slopes, the snow surface may be moist or crusty. At ridgetops, southwest winds formed slabs on leeward north through east facing slopes. The recent snow covers a crust on sunny slopes and lower elevations, and surface hoar or facets on sheltered and shady upper elevations. Several weak layers consisting of a crust, facets or surface hoar from February and January remain a concern, buried 30 to 60 cm. A layer of facets from early December is buried 70 to 120 cm. In many areas, facets or depth hoar make up the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Partly cloudy with possible isolated flurries. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud, with possible isolated flurries. 10 to 25 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Sunday

Partly cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and clouds. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Several persistent weak layers exist, with the most problematic ones lying 30 to 60 cm deep. The greatest concern for triggering these layers is on upper elevation north and east facing slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

New snow overlies a variety of surfaces, including surface hoar, facets, or a crust, which may make wind slabs more reactive and take longer to bond.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2