Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Feb 5 – 6, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A bit of new snow and wind has formed fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. The cooler weather has helped to stabilize the snowpack, however we continue to be wary of deeply buried weak layers.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Watch for reactivity in wind-affected features where fresh snow has fallen.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Multiple weak layers in the top meter of the snowpack remain a concern.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    If triggered, this problem will likely be the full depth of the snowpack. Avoid shallow, rocky start zones especially where surface crusts are unsupportive.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

There is now new avalanche activity to report.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of new snow has accumulated over a crust that varies in thickness and elevation throughout the forecast area. In the Dogtooth Range, this crust thins in the alpine and becomes breakable.

Below the fresh snow and mentioned crust, there is around 50 cm of moist snow with multiple crust and facet layers beneath. The base contains weak faceted grains and depth hoar, which will be continue to be monitored for reactivity.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy with 2 - 5 cm of new snow. Freezing level at valley bottom. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Southeast wind 10-20 km/h.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. Freezing level at valley bottom. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Southeast wind 10 - 20 km/h.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. Freezing level 1300 m, treeline temperature -2 °C South and southwest wind15 - 30 km/h.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with flurries. Freezing level 1200 m, treeline temperature -2 °C South wind15 - 30 km/h.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Regions covered