Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells.
Shaded slopes sheltered from the wind likely offer the best riding.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Numerous solar-triggered loose avalanches were observed from steep sun-exposed slopes on Sunday and Monday.
On Sunday, riders on a south slope in the alpine triggered a size 1.5 wind slab avalanche.
Snowpack Summary
The snow surface is highly variable and consists of a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar and/or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain at higher elevations.
A layer of facets and/or surface hoar buried in early December may be found down 50-100 cm, or as shallow as 30 cm around Invermere. This layer has generally gained strength and is currently not a significant problem.
The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust and facets or depth hoar in many areas.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C
Wednesday
Sunny. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with light snowfall 5-10 cm. 20-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- The snowpack is generally stable; it may be appropriate to step out into more complex terrain.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.