Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells.
The snowpack remains primed for human triggering. Conservative terrain selection is critical.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Natural, skier, and explosive-triggered avalanches up to size 3 have continued to be reported daily throughout the region since early in the week. Avalanches have slid on layers in the upper snowpack.
While natural activity is beginning to taper off, human triggering is expected to remain a serious problem.
Snowpack Summary
As much as 100 cm of snow has accumulated over the last week. This recent snow has formed touchy slabs, especially in wind-exposed terrain.
The recent snow sits atop various weak layers of facets, surface hoar, and/or a crust.
A widespread crust formed in early February is buried roughly 70 to 120 cm deep. Facets have been found above this crust. This layer continues to produce many concerning avalanches across the province.
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
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Monday
Partly cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
- Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to the presence of deeply buried weak layers.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent snow accompanied by strong wind has formed touchy slabs that may sit over a weak layer. These slabs will remain reactive to human triggering and have the potential to travel full path.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Persistent Slabs
Buried weak layers remain very sensitive to human triggering and could result in very large avalanches. It is possible to trigger these layers remotely and avalanches have the potential to run full path, so watch your overhead exposure.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
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 - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 4