Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells.
UPDATED 7:15
Storm snow and wind are expected to form new slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday a few size 1- 2 naturally triggered wind slabs were observed near Invermere on north and east facing alpine slopes.
The likelihood of triggering avalanches will likely increase with the incoming stormy weather.
Snowpack Summary
Approximately 5 to 10 cm of new snow is expected to fall by the end of the day Sunday. This snow will cover a variety of old surfaces, including old wind-affected snow, and a crust.
In isolated, sheltered areas, surface hoar may be found buried 10-20 cm
A widespread crust formed in early February is buried roughly 20 to 50 cm. This crust may be less prominent or not exist at high alpine elevations.
The mid and lower snowpack is largely faceted with depth hoar and a crust found at the bottom of the snowpack in many areas.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of new snow, 30 km/h west ridgetop wind, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level 1200 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow/light to moderate rain, 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 1700 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy 2 to 4 cm of new snow, 10 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind, treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of snow possible, 5 to 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind, treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
With the forecast winds you can expect storm slabs to be deeper and more reactive on lee northerly and easterly slopes, especially near ridgetops.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer near the base of the snowpack remains a concern, mainly at higher elevations in the alpine and in steep, rocky, open features at treeline.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5