Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells, West Purcell.
Seek out terrain sheltered from the wind for the softest snow and the lowest avalanche danger.
Use caution in wind-affected terrain and avoid steep, rocky slopes with shallow snow cover.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, west of Invermere, a large (size 2) naturally triggered slab avalanche was reported in south facing alpine terrain, along with a few small wind slab avalanches in extreme terrain.
On Tuesday, near Bugaboo Provincial Park, a large (size 3), explosive triggered deep persistent slab avalanche was reported in south facing alpine terrain. Other explosives in similar terrain produced smaller results.
Snowpack Summary
Expect to find wind-affected surfaces in exposed treeline terrain and above.
Sheltered areas still have soft snow and good riding.
A layer of facets or surface hoar buried in early December may be found down 50-100 cm, or as shallow as 30 cm around Invermere. It seems that this layer has gained strength and is no longer a significant problem.
The snowpack base consists of a thick crust and facets or depth hoar in many areas.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy. 20-30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Friday
Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Possible temperature inversion above 2000 m. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
With very little recent snowfall, fresh wind slab formation has been minimal. Small pockets may be reactive in isolated areas, particularly where they sit atop a layer of surface hoar or facets from early January, 20–40 cm deep.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2