Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Monday

An "almost pineapple" weather pattern is setup across the province directing the firehose at the neighboring regions to the north & west, directing a more modest amount over the Purcells. SUN: FZLVL stays near 1300m. Elevations above the freezing level should see 4 - 8 cm in the afternoon. Ridgetop winds are expected to be Strong out of the West. MON: FRLVL lowers to 900m. 5 -10 cm of snow expected above 900m. Winds 10 - 15cm of snow is expected above 1200m, light rain below. Ridgetop winds remain strong out of the W/SW. Tue: A ridge of high pressure slides into the region bringing more seasonal cool temperatures, high solar & light winds.

No new avalanches to report from the Purcells but, visibility was super limited Saturday by all accounts.

A cohesive slab continues to settle over the mid-February surface hoar, which is generally down in the 40-55cm range. Recent reports include whumpfing and cracking, and moderate but sudden compression test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.