Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Esplanade, Purcells, St. Mary.
Wind slabs may be reactive to human triggering in the alpine.
Assess snowpack conditions as you travel through the terrain.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday A remotely triggered wind slab (size 1) was seen from a SW aspect at 2200 m. Explosive control triggered cornices (up to 2.5) which triggered a thin (size 2) slab.
Wind slabs may remain reactive to rider triggering on Friday.
If you head into the backcountry consider submitting a MIN post!
Snowpack Summary
Exposed terrain in the alpine and treeline is generally wind-affected. In sheltered terrain 10 to 40 cm of faceted snow overlies a weak layer from late January. This layer consists of a crust on sun exposed slopes and a layer of surface hoar on all other aspects.
A weak layer of facets from early December is 60 to 120 cm deep.
The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust with facets or depth hoar in many areas.
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Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with clear periods. 20 to 25 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. 10 to 15 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Rider triggerable pockets of wind slab may still be found in exposed terrain.
Where slab properties are not observed dry loose avalanches are possible.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5