Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Feb 17 – 18, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 2 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Isolated small avalanches are still possible at low danger.

Remain cautious in extreme and high-consequence terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Dry loose avalanches are possible in steep terrain where the snow is powdery and unconsolidated. Use appropriate sluff management techniques.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, there were numerous, small dry loose avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

5 to 10 cm of recent snow may be covering a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas, or a hard sun-crust on sunny slopes.

Exposed terrain in the alpine and treeline is generally wind-affected. In sheltered terrain, 10 to 40 cm of faceted snow overlies a weak layer from late January. This layer consists of a crust on sun-exposed slopes, and facets and surface hoar on all other aspects.

A weak layer of facets from early December is buried 60 to 120 cm. The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust with facets or depth hoar in many areas.

 

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and clouds with 1 cm of snow. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Periods of low danger may be a good time to increase your exposure.

Regions covered