Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells.
Avoid avalanche terrain.
We are expecting widespread, large natural avalanche activity.
Stick to low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural, skier, and explosive-triggered avalanches up to size 3 have been reported in the past few days throughout the region. All avalanches slid on layers in the upper snowpack, up to 70 cm deep.
We expect avalanche activity to increase in size and frequency on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30 cm of new snow will have fallen by mid day on Thursday. This new snow will likely form touchy storm slabs.
A layer of facets, surface hoar and a crust is down up to 50 cm.
A widespread crust formed in early February is buried roughly 40 to 80 cm and extends up to 2400 m. Facets have been found above this crust. This layer has produced 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
Wednesday Night
Cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -5°C.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h southeast alpine wind. Treeline temperature -7°C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow. 10 to 30 km/h southeast alpine wind. Treeline temperature -9°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 the presence of deeply buried weak layers.
- Remote triggering is a concern, avoid terrain where triggering slopes from below is possible
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
New snow accompanied by strong wind will form touchy slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely - Certain
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers in the top meter of the snowpack are rider triggerable and could result in very large avalanches. This includes the crust from early February.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: 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
Expected Size: 2 - 4