Purcells

Avoid wind-loaded features.

Wind slabs could step down to a deeper persistent weak layer triggering a much larger avalanche.

Thurs: A large (size 2) naturally-triggered persistent slab near Invermere and a size 2.5 persistent slab south of Kimberly were observed.

Tues: Avalanche control produced large avalanches (up to size 3.5) in the central-western part of the region.

Mon: Extensive storm and wind slabs were observed, some notably stepping down to deeper persistent weak layers.

Looking forward: We expect both wind slabs and persistent slabs to remain triggerable over the weekend.

15 to 30 cm of snow fell over the last few days. At lower elevations, and on sunny slopes, the snow surface may be moist or crusty. At ridgetops, southwest winds formed slabs on leeward north through east facing slopes. The recent snow covers a crust on sunny slopes and lower elevations, and surface hoar or facets on sheltered and shady upper elevations. Several weak layers consisting of a crust, facets or surface hoar from February and January remain a concern, buried 30 to 60 cm. A layer of facets from early December is buried 70 to 120 cm. In many areas, facets or depth hoar make up the base of the snowpack.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy with possible isolated flurries. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud, with possible isolated flurries. 10 to 25 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Sunday

Partly cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and clouds. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.