Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, East Purcell, Elkford East, Elkford West, Purcells, South Rockies.
Fresh and reactive wind slabs may form at treeline and above as westerly winds increase on Wednesday.
Start conservative and watch for signs of instability like cracking or whumpfing.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, one small (size 1) rider triggered persistent slab avalanche was reported. This occurred below treeline.
Last weekend, numerous natural and human-triggered persistent slab avalanches (up to size 2.5) were observed near Invermere. These primarily occurred on north through southeast aspects at treeline and above.
Smaller wind slab avalanches could step-down to the basal facets, initiating a larger slab avalanche.
If you head out please submit a MIN.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 15 cm of new snow fell over the weekend. In wind-exposed areas cracking and whumping have been reported.
Down 40 to 50 cm sits a layer of surface hoar primarily found on shaded slopes, or on a thin crust on sunny slopes.
A crust exists near the bottom of the snowpack. This crust may have weak, sugary facets on top.
Snowpack depths are reported to be 50-70 cm at treeline elevation.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with clear periods. 15 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 35 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 15 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh and reactive wind slabs could form on Wednesday. Especially at ridgeline and in exposed terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
Deep persistent slab avalanches have recently failed on weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack. This problem is most likely found in the alpine and at treeline on smooth slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5