Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells.
Avoid thin, shallow northerly slopes up high where it remains possible to trigger buried weak layers. Avalanches are unlikely where a hard surface crust exists.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We didn't receive any reports of avalanche activity over the weekend.
The latest slab avalanche occurred on Friday, triggered by sledders east of Wasa (see photo).
Snowpack Summary
Around 5 cm of recent snow overlies a hard melt-freeze crust on northerly alpine slopes. Elsewhere, a hard and thick crust is on the snow surface. The crust will likely soften with daytime warming and refreeze overnight.
The lower snowpack is generally composed of weak faceted grains.
The snowpack at lower elevations is rapidly melting.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly clear skies. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1700 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.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
It remains possible for avalanches to be triggered on buried weak layers, particularly where they are shallow in the snowpack and/or don't have a thick crust above them.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5