Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Feb 12 – 13, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Tracks on a slope do not mean it is safe.

This is a low-probability, high-consequence snowpack that's best managed by riding conservative terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Small wind slabs are starting to build.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2.5–3.5

    A weak layer near the base of the snowpack is a concern where a crust buried 10 to 20 cm is not supportive. Generally at higher elevations in the alpine and steep, rocky, open features at treeline is where triggering this layer is possible.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

A large avalanche near Golden from Jan 29th reported in this MIN and pictured in this MIN, is a perfect example of the sporadic, deep persistent avalanche activity that continues to occur as recently as Saturday. Steep, rocky, treeline and alpine terrain where the crust is not supportive are likely trigger spots.

Several dry loose avalanches up to size 1 were reported on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

New snow has buried various layers of soft snow, wind-affected, and sun crusts. Further burying a crust now down 15 to 20 cm. This crust is generally supportive but tapers in the alpine and may be unsupportive to riders.

The midpack is generally faceted and the lower snowpack contains weak faceted grains, depth hoar, and crusts that continue to produce sporadic large avalanches.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

Clear skies. 0 to 15 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

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