Some small loose dry avalanches were reported in the central Purcells on Sunday.

Last Thursday and Friday, several size 1-2 wind slab avalanches were reported across the Eastern Purcells. Looking forward, we suspect wind slabs may remain possible to trigger in isolated areas, especially where they overlie a layer of surface hoar.

Reports have been limited. If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting your observations to the MIN.

Widespread wind-affect exists in most open upper-elevation areas, extending down into the treeline. Sheltered areas still have soft snow and good riding.

Wind slabs formed last week have strengthened but may still be triggered in isolated areas, particularly where they sit atop a layer of surface hoar or facets from early January, buried 20–40 cm deep.

A persistent weak layer of facets buried in early December is on average 60 to 90 cm deep. Near Invermere, this layer may only be buried 30 cm.

The snowpack base consists of a thick crust and facets or depth hoar in many areas.

Monday Night

Clear. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 15 to 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

A persistent slab avalanche was reported by a third party in the Kors-Thomas bowl of Avalanche Mountain on Sunday. No details of the event are available but it appears to have been skier triggered.

Explosives testing on steep, northerly Treeline features on Saturday. Results up to size 1.5 were observed, with minimal propagation.

~10cm of cold, faceted snow sits atop a denser, wind-pressed layer. Below this lies a weak interface (Jan 7th layer) down 30-50cm, comprised of surface hoar (all aspects) and/ or a thin crust on steep S aspects.

In the start zone of Mt Fidelity, moderate "resistant" and "sudden planar" snowpack test results were found down 30cm. We are keeping an eye on this persistent layer as the snowpack builds on top of it.

Overall the mid and lower snowpack is strong & well settled.

More cold, clear, and calm.

Tonight Mainly cloudy. No precipitation: Nil. Alpine low -13 °C. Ridge wind SW 20 km/h.

Tues Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Alpine high -12. Ridge wind W 25 km/h gusting 50.

Wed Sun and cloud. No Precipitation. Alpine high -8. Ridge wind W 15.

Thursday Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Alpine high -8. Wind SW 15 gusting 40.

Sunshine Village ski patrol reported numerous (ten) size 1 ski cut windslabs in Delerium Dive, propagating up to 25 m wide as a result of active reloading. Otherwise, no reports or observations of new avalanches today.

Wind slabs were forming today from downflow winds on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline. At treeline, the mid-pack consists of facets over the October crust and depth hoar at the bottom. Snow depths at treeline range from 60-100 cm.

A ridge of high pressure is established over the region with cold air from the north keeping temperatures low. On Tuesday, a weak system will cross through, giving some overcast skies, light flurries and wind, but nothing significant before the ridge establishes itself again and clear skies return for Wednesday. Temperatures on Tuesday should reach a high of -8 in the valley bottom, so still cool.