Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells, West Purcell.
If a thick surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.Buried weak layers continue to produce large avalanches that may run to valley bottom.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, there were a a few large cornice failures (size 2) during the warm temperatures. Also, a large natural wind slab size 2.5 on a northwest aspect in the alpine.
A recent large persistent slab (size 2.5) seen near Panorama is suspected to have occurred early in the week. From a northeast aspect in the alpine.
Persistent slab avalanches have been occurring on northerly slopes in the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
Around 10 to 30 cm of snow this week, with the most on the west side of the region. Low elevation areas and slopes that face the sun are expected to have a thick crust. Shaded slopes in the alpine are unlikely to have a crust, and could be wind loaded.
Several weak layers can be found in the mid and lower snowpack. These layers remain a concern where there is no thick crust above them.
The base of the snowpack is generally faceted.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.
Monday
Sunny. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Several persistent weak layers exist in the upper meter of the snowpack. Persistent slab avalanches are possible in areas without a thick surface crust.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2.5 - 3.5
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be triggered by riders on high elevation slopes with no surface crust.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2