Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Mar 1 – 2, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Northerly winds may develop pockets of windslab in the alpine

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    3–5
    Triggering persistent slab avalanches has become unlikely, but may be possible with large loads like cornice falls. Periods of strong solar radiation may allow for triggering from weak thin snowpack areas.

Weather Forecast

Cloudy overnight with developing northwest winds and alpine temperatures around -10. Overcast with snow starting late morning. Most areas should see 5-10 cm, and areas in the south and east may see enhanced precipitation as the arctic air dives south and collides with some warmer Pacific air. The snow should end by Tuesday morning when skies clear and the high pressure re-builds over the interior. Wednesday should be clear and cold with light winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

Variable amounts of dry facetted surface snow and pockets of surface hoar can be found above the mid-February crust. New melt-freeze crusts can be found on solar aspects at all elevations. The mid-pack is well settled. The late-Jan crust/surface hoar layer can be found about a metre below the surface in deeper snowpack areas. The mid-January surface hoar, can be found below that. These layers have gained significant strength, and chances of triggering these weaknesses have decreased dramatically. However, triggering may be possible with a large input such as cornice fall, or an avalanche stepping down, especially on slopes that see a lot of sun.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Regions covered