Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Jan 17 – 18, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–5
    Wind slabs may be found behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. It may be possible for a wind slab to step down to a deeper instability.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–5
    Persistent weaknesses are variable in their distribution, but may still be triggered by the weight of a person or snowmobile.

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Friday: Moderate to strong NW winds. Alpine temperature near -4. No snow.Saturday: Moderate to strong NW winds. Alpine temperature near -3. No snow.Sunday: Light to moderate W winds. Alpine temperature near -3. No snow.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 1-2.5 wind slabs were triggered naturally and by skiers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Cornice falls were also reported.

Snowpack Summary

Strong NW through SW winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. Settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.

Regions covered