Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Feb 6 – 7, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

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.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Multiple weak layers in the snowpack remain a concern. Most specifically facets on crust near the base of the snowpack. Be especially cautious in areas where the recently formed crusts near the surface are not supportive.

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

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy. Alpine wind southwest 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks and isolated flurries. Alpine wind southeast 15 to 35 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Alpine wind southeast 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine wind southeast 5 to10 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

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.

Regions covered