Purcells

Wind slabs may be more susceptible to human triggers where they sit above a buried weak layer. Field observations are limited, so it is critical to supplement this forecast with your own observations.

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

MONDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / light northwest winds / alpine temperatures near -12TUESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light west to northwest winds / alpine temperatures near -10WEDNESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light northerly winds / alpine high temperatures near -10, low temperatures near -15THURSDAY - Sunny with cloudy periods / alpine high temperatures near -6, low temperatures near -10

No new avalanches have been reported in the region, however field observations are very limited. If you have been in the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Approximately 20 cm of snow fell last week which may have been blown into wind slabs on exposed northerly and northeasterly slopes. There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) being reported in the top 35-40cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and "hollow" feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.A prominent feature of the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack.