Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells.
Human-triggered deep slab avalanches remain possible. Maintain a disciplined approach and avoid high-consequence terrain.
Read more about this winter's widespread persistent weak layers in our recent Forecasters Blog
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No significant avalanche activity has been reported in the last couple of days.
Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
The upper snowpack continues to settle and bond with mild temperatures. The mid and lower snowpack is generally weak and faceted, with a number of weak layers. Down 30 to 50 cm from the surface is a weak layer consisting of a crust, facets, and/or surface hoar, buried in mid-December. A layer near the bottom of the snowpack buried in November consists of large, weak facetted crystals.
Snowpack depths are roughly 60 to 150 cm at treeline.
Weather Summary
Saturday night
Cloudy with flurries, 0 to 2 cm. Light southerly winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.
Sunday
Cloudy with flurries, 0 to 2 cm. Light southerly winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.
Monday
Cloudy with sunny breaks and flurries, 0 to 2 cm. Light southerly winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, no precipitation. Light southerly winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Don't let the desire for deep powder pull you into high consequence terrain.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer near the base of the snowpack remains a concern despite lack of recent avalanche activity. Human triggering of this layer remains possible, especially in shallow areas with variable snow depths.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Persistent Slabs
A layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust may be found around 40 to 70 cm deep, which is a prime depth for human triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2