Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Feb 28 – 29, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

As new snow accumulates avalanche hazards will increase. Continue to give new snow time to settle and stabilize.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    A widespread crust formed in early February is a concern in areas where weak faceted crystals have formed above or below the crust.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Recent storm snow has accumulated over various potential weak layers and good sliding surfaces throughout the upper snowpack.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–4

    The bottom of the snowpack remains generally weak and untrustworthy, especially at higher elevations where a protective crust above may not exist.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural, skier, and explosive-triggered avalanches were reported on Monday throughout the region. All avalanches slid on layers in the upper snowpack, up to 70 cm deep.

Snowpack Summary

As much as 50 cm of recent snowfall has buried various old surfaces, including faceted snow or surface hoar in north-facing terrain and sun crusts on south-facing slopes.

A widespread crust formed in early February is buried roughly 40 to 80 cm. In some areas, weak faceted crystals have formed above or below the crust, creating a problematic layer.

The mid and lower snowpack is largely faceted with depth hoar and a crust found at the bottom of the snowpack in many areas.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Good day to make conservative terrain choices.
  • Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to the presence of deeply buried weak layers.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.

Regions covered