Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Purcell, Purcells.
Buried surface hoar may still be reactive below the recent storm snow
Small avalanches may step down to deeper weaknesses within the snowpack.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several size 1 avalanches were reported on Sunday, failing on the surface hoar below the recent storm snow. Deep persistent slabs were reported to size 1.5 from explosive and human triggers, 0.occurring on north facing slopes at treeline and below.
Wind slab reactivity is expected to continue, while deep persistent layers remain unpredictable.
Observations are limited, please submit a MIN if you head into the backcountry!
Snowpack Summary
10-15 cm of wind affected snow sits on various layers including sun crusts, surface hoar in sheltered areas, and wind-affected snow.
In the Invermere area, weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack has caused several small but notable persistent slab avalanches at the base of the snowpack. So far reports suggest it does not extend throughout the forecast region.
Treeline snow depths are generally 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly clear skies. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with a chance of flurries. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with light flurries. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind affected snow sits over weak surfaces including surface hoar, which remains rider triggerable.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
Weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack remains a concern primarily in the Invermere area. Recent activity has occurred on steep, smooth north facing slopes where the snowpack is shallow (thin) and weak.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2