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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 21st, 2025–Jan 22nd, 2025
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
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

Regions: Crawford, Dogtooth, East Purcell, Purcells, West Purcell.

Seek out terrain sheltered from the wind for the softest snow and the lowest avalanche danger.

Use caution in wind-affected terrain and avoid steep, rocky slopes with shallow snow cover.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Some small loose dry avalanches were reported in the central Purcells on Sunday.

Last Thursday and Friday, several size 1-2 wind slab avalanches were reported across the eastern Purcells. Looking forward, we suspect wind slabs may remain possible to trigger in isolated areas, especially where they overlie a layer of surface hoar.

Reports have been limited. If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting your observations to the MIN.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find wind-affected surfaces in exposed treeline terrain and above. Sheltered areas still have soft snow and good riding.

Wind slabs formed last week have strengthened but may still be triggered in isolated areas, particularly where they sit atop a layer of surface hoar or facets from early January, buried 20–40 cm deep.

A persistent weak layer of facets buried in early December is on average 60 to 90 cm deep. Near Invermere, this layer may only be buried 30 cm.

The snowpack base consists of a thick crust and facets or depth hoar in many areas.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Friday

Mostly sunny. 15 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are expected to be most reactive where they overlie facets or surface hoar. Recent winds have varied in direction.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The early December weak layer remains a concern in areas with a shallow snowpack, particularly on steep, rocky, slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3