Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Feb 29 – Mar 1, 2024Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 3 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
Open full map

Highlights

Avoid avalanche terrain.

We are expecting widespread, large natural avalanche activity.

Stick to low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    New snow accompanied by strong wind will form touchy slabs.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3.5

    Weak layers in the top meter of the snowpack are rider triggerable and could result in very large avalanches. This includes the crust from early February.

  • 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

High

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural, skier, and explosive-triggered avalanches up to size 3 have been reported in the past few days throughout the region. All avalanches slid on layers in the upper snowpack, up to 70 cm deep.

We expect avalanche activity to increase in size and frequency on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of new snow will have fallen by mid day on Thursday. This new snow will likely form touchy storm slabs.

A layer of facets, surface hoar and a crust is down up to 50 cm.

A widespread crust formed in early February is buried roughly 40 to 80 cm and extends up to 2400 m. Facets have been found above this crust. This layer has produced many concerning avalanches across the province.

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

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -5°C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h southeast alpine wind. Treeline temperature -7°C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow. 10 to 30 km/h southeast alpine wind. Treeline temperature -9°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to the presence of deeply buried weak layers.
  • Remote triggering is a concern, avoid terrain where triggering slopes from below is possible
  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.

Regions covered