Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 15th, 2024–Dec 16th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: East Purcell, Purcells.

Avoiding large features and enjoying low-angle riding is a good way to manage a deep persistent problem.

Tune into conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported since Tuesday when a few natural wind slabs were observed in north-facing alpine terrain.

Observations are limited, please submit a MIN if you head into the backcountry!

Snowpack Summary

10 to 15 cm of wind-affected snow sits on sun crusts on south-facing slopes, surface hoar in sheltered areas, and previously wind-affected snow.

In the Invermere area, avalanches have been failing on weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack. So far reports suggest this does not extend throughout the forecast region, but is likely found in shallow snowpack areas.

Treeline snow depths are generally 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud, increasing, with 1 cm of snow in the afternoon. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and slopes above cliffs.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack remains a concern primarily in the Invermere area. Avalanches have occurred on steep, smooth north-facing slopes where the snowpack is shallow and weak.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 2