Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, Crowsnest North, East Purcell, Elkford East, Elkford West, Purcells, South Rockies.
Weak layers in the snowpack warrant careful terrain choices and watching for signs of instability like cracking or whumpfing.
Submit MIN report if you are out in the mountains!
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Since the weekend, several size 1 to 1.5 deep persistent slab avalanches have been reported in the Invermere area. These 40 cm thick slabs are failing on weak basal snow and have been triggered by both riders and explosives.
No wind slab avalanches have been reported, though wind transport has been observed.
Snowpack Summary
Treeline snow depths are 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine. Surface snow is being redistributed by wind in exposed areas but remains soft in sheltered terrain.
In the Invermere area, weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack has caused several small but notable deep persistent slab avalanches. Similar conditions are likely in the South Rockies, though observations are limited.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Partially cloudy with up to 1 cm of snow. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 30 km/h west ridge top wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Monday
Mostly clear. 12 to 30 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly clear. 12 to 30 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C with an above-freezing layer developing between 2000 m to 3000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Avalanches on weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack are possible on steep smooth slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Wind from the west may have formed wind slabs along ridgelines and in exposed terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5