Avalanche Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -9 / freezing level 1200 m

MONDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 1500 m

TUESDAY - Mainly cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 1600 m

WEDNESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate south wind / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1800 m

On Saturday there were a few reports of size 1-2 natural avalanches in the western part of the region, near Kootenay Lake. Notably, there was also a large human-triggered persistent slab avalanche in the east Quartz creek area. A MIN report of this avalanche can be viewed here.

Since the storm last weekend, there have been daily reports of size 1-2 natural and/or human-triggered avalanches. Earlier last week, after the storm, there were also numerous size 1-2.5 explosives-triggered avalanches reported.

There have been a few notable avalanches over the past week, such as a few remotely triggered avalanches reported in the north of the region on Wednesday that likely failed on the recently buried persistent weak layer. The MIN report can be viewed here. There was also a size 2 wind slab avalanche in the south of the region that is suspected to have stepped down to deeper persistent weak layers on Tuesday.

Earlier in February, there were a few reports of large, sporadic avalanches (size 2.5-3) on southeast aspects in the alpine, likely releasing on a layer of facets on a crust (see a photo here), and a large human-triggered avalanche (size 2.5) on surface hoar near Quartz Creek.

10-50 cm of recent fresh snow has been redistributed by strong winds in many areas. The deeper snow amounts have generally been found in the western and northern parts of the region, with lesser amounts to the east and south. This new snow sits on a persistent weak layer of facets that formed during the last cold snap. Recent variable winds have formed wind slabs on many aspects. 

Another persistent weak layer that formed in late January is now 30-90 cm deep. In the northern Purcells, this layer has been reported as a surface hoar layer at treeline and below, but a combination of facets or crusts could exist at all elevations.

The northern Purcells also have an older surface hoar layer that can still be found 60-120 cm deep at treeline. Additional weak layers may exist near the base of the snowpack. Steep, rocky areas with a shallow, or thin to thick snowpack should be considered possible trigger points.

• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a persistent slab.
• Choose slopes that are well supported and have limited consequence.
• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.