Dogtooth

A reactive persistent weak layer remains the primary concern for the region.

Stick to low-angle slopes and avoid exposing yourself to steep terrain from above.

Moderate

• We are confident that there are persistent slabs in the snowpack, but uncertain about how likely they are to trigger.
• We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of warming will affect the snowpack.

On Thursday, two large natural wind slab avalanches were reported, and a very large explosive triggered persistent slab. All of these avalanches occurred in the northern part of this region. Near Invermere, a large wet loose avalanche was reported during the height of solar input.

Going forward, similar avalanche activity is possible with a persistent weak layer at a perfect depth for human triggering and warming temperatures with mixed precipitation.

Up to 10 cm of new snow may accumulate before the end of day Saturday, with highest amounts in the Dogtooth Range. This new snow accompanied with strong west wind will build small wind slabs treeline and above.

A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or crust is buried 40 to 60 cm, with deeper areas like the Dogtooth Range reporting this layer up to 100 cm deep. While reports of persistent slab avalanche activity has tapered, the snowpack structure remains a concern.

The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled. In shallow snowpack areas, large facets or depth hoar are present at the bottom of the snowpack.

Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
• Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rocky outcrops, and steep terrain where triggering is most likely.
• Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
• Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.