Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Dec 3 – 4, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The likelihood of deep persistent slab avalanches may increase with prolonged warm weather.

Avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes as this is where you're most likely to trigger an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind from the west may have formed wind slabs along ridgelines and in exposed terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Avalanches on weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack are possible on steep smooth slopes.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

In the past week, several size 1 to 1.5 deep persistent slab avalanches have been reported in the Invermere area. These 40 cm thick slabs are failing on weak basal snow and have been triggered by both riders and explosives.

No wind slab avalanches have been reported, though wind transport has been observed.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline snow depths are 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine. Surface snow is being redistributed by wind in exposed areas but remains soft in sheltered terrain.

In the Invermere area, weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack has caused several small but notable deep persistent slab avalanches. Similar conditions are likely in the South Rockies, though observations are limited.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mainly clear. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C

Tuesday

Mainly clear. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridge top winds. Treeline temperature 1 °C.

Wednesday

Mainly clear. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C.

Thursday

Mainly Clear. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridge top wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The likelihood of deep persistent slab avalanches will increase with each day of warm weather.
  • Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.

Regions covered