Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Nov 25 – 26, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Highlights

This forecast has been prepared with limited observation data. If you're out in the field, please send information to:[email protected]

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    The likelihood of triggering a wind slab is becoming more remote as the snowpack settles and bonds, but the consequences of a large avalanche event remain high.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–5
    The location of this crust-sugar snow layer varies greatly throughout the Columbia mountains. It has been reported on the ground in the south, and 20 to 40cm up from the ground in the north.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Continued mild temps for the forecast period.  No precipitation in sight for the next 3 days. Warm air aloft will slowly be replaced by more seasonal cooler temps in the next few days.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported. Skiers or sledders might trigger this deep weak layer although no recent reports of activity have been received. The likelihood of triggering is decreasing, however the consequences could be huge.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths at tree line hover between 70-100 cm, and 100 to 120 cm in the alpine, except in heavily wind loaded locations.  A surface hoar layer has been identified at other locations in the Columbia ranges between 60and 120 cm from the surface and appears to be drainage specific.  So far it's not been reported in the Purcells. If you've found it, please let us know.Deeper in the snowpack near the base is a melt-freeze / rain crust that formed in October. This is generally found 70-110 cm down, with facetted (sugary) crystals above and below that are poorly bonded. The crust/ facet combo may be more predominant on Northerly aspects and allow for wider propagations, especially in places that have smooth ground cover (glacier ice, grassy slopes, rock slabs etc.).Snowpack conditions may change and deteriorate if temperatures rise in the alpine.

Regions covered