Avalanche Forecast

On Sunday a size 3 naturally triggered, deep persistent slab avalanche was reported in the western Purcells (southwest of Panorama). It occurred in large alpine terrain, west facing at 2800 m.

On Friday a size 3 naturally triggered avalanche was reported in the Dogtooth Range. While the failure plane is unknown the report mentions impressive propagation.

Recent snow and wind have formed wind slabs at upper elevations. Surface hoar may exist below the recent snow, in wind-sheltered and shaded terrain.

The mid-snowpack may still contain a few persistent weak layers of surface hoar in sheltered treeline terrain. No recent avalanche activity has occurred on these layers suggesting the layers have gained strength.

The lower snowpack includes a widespread layer of large, weak facets and or depth hoar crystals. This weak layer continues to be responsible for several very large and destructive avalanches throughout the season.

Monday night

Mostly cloudy with clear breaks. Light east ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks and scattered flurries, with trace accumulation. Light east ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.