Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
New snow may not bond well to the crust below, watch for reactivity on steep slopes and near ridgelines.
Highest storm totals are expected in the Southern Purcells
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
We expect slab avalanche activity to increase on Sunday with cooler temperatures and fresh snowfall.
Snowpack Summary
Storm totals are expected to reach 10-20 cm by Sunday afternoon. This snow accumulates over a crust at most elevations where it may not bond well. Below 1500 m surface snow may remain moist or wet.
A layer of facets (and small surface hoar in some areas) is buried 30-60 cm deep and a layer of facets on a crust is buried 80-100 cm deep. While cooler temperatures have allowed these layers to strengthen we continue to monitor them for signs of reactivity.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with 5-15 cm of snow expected overnight. Freezing levels remain around 1500 m, with treeline temperatures around -2 °C. 10-30 km/hr easterly winds.
Sunday
Snowfall tapers off during the day, with another 5 cm possible in the Selkirks, trace amounts for the Southern Purcells. Freezing levels reach 1500 m again. Treeline temperatures around -3 °C. Southeast winds, 10-20 km/h.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with possible flurries. Freezing levels reach 1200 m over the day. Treeline temperatures around -5 °C. Southeast winds 20-40 km/h.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with light snowfall, 5-15 cm. Freezing levels rise to 1500 m, treeline temperatures around -3 °C. Light to moderate southwest winds, 20-30 km/h.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Although storm totals are small, slabs may slide easily on the crust below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 4th, 2024 4:00PM
