Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 16th, 2024–Dec 17th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: East Purcell, Purcells.

Wind slabs are still possible to trigger in the alpine.

Avoiding large features and enjoying low-angle riding is a good way to manage a deep persistent problem.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a small (size 1.5) wind slab was skier-triggered near the Bugaboos. It was on an east aspect in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

10 cm of snow that has been redistributed by westerly wind sits on sun crusts on south-facing slopes and surface hoar in sheltered areas.

The base of the snowpack consists of weak, faceted snow over a crust from late October. This layer is a concern in the Invermere area and other similarly shallow snowpack zones.

Treeline snow depths are generally 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and slopes above cliffs.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs in the alpine remain rider-triggerable. Use caution where the snow has drifted into deep deposits.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

In the Invermere area, weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack remains a concern. Avalanches have occurred on steep, smooth north-facing slopes where the snowpack is shallow and weak.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 2