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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 10th, 2016–Jan 11th, 2016
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
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

Regions: Purcells.

Some snow in the forecast this week. Check back for updates as the storm progresses.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Dry conditions persist on Monday, before a Pacific system brings light snow on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tues: 2-5 cm, Wed: 5-10 cm. Winds are expected to be moderate from the SW and the freezing level remains at valley floor. For more details check out https://avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

A cycle of naturally-triggered size 1-2 loose dry avalanches was reported on Friday. Most were on steep alpine shady aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Conditions are variable across the Purcells. Isolated wind slabs may be lurking behind ridges and ribs. Wind slabs or loose dry snow overlie old surfaces including surface hoar, near surface facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Cold and dry weather is drying out the upper snowpack (through faceting). In parts of the Purcells, two prominent layers of surface hoar are reactive in snowpack tests. These are buried down 25-60 cm and may have a cohesive slab above. Shallow snowpack areas and moraine features may also have weak facetted snow near the ground that will require time and some warming to strengthen.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be lurking behind ridges and ribs.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A low probability/ high consequence persistent slab problem still exists. Investigate your local snowpack.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a big line. >Avoid exposed alpine faces, especially in the north of the region.>Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved, especially in the south of the region.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 4