Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Nov 30 – Dec 1, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche danger is increasing as the storm moves into the region. The new storm snow may not bond to the recent buried weak layers.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3–6
    The new load of storm snow may overload the deeply buried weak layer. Storms slabs that are in motion may trigger the deeply buried weak layer resulting in wide propagations and very large avalanches.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–4
    New storm slabs are developing above recently buried weak layers. Strong winds and forecast heavy snow falls may result in easy triggering from adjacent terrain features.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Sunday: Moderate to locally heavy precipitation overnight as the arctic front collides with Pacific moisture. Expect strong westerly winds ahead of the arctic air, and moderate northerly winds after the passage of the cold front.Monday: Precipitation should end during the day. Expect clearing skies and cold valley temperatures.Tuesday: Clear and cold with moderate Northeast winds.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported. New storm slabs are expected to develop overnight. Storm slab avalanches may be easily triggered where recently buried weak layers exist. The new load of storm snow, or storm slabs in motion may cause avalanches to release on this crust layer. The most likely place you would trigger this layer is on smooth, planar, north facing slopes.

Snowpack Summary

New storm slabs are developing above weak surface layers of facetted crystals and melt/freeze crusts. These recently buried weak layers may not support the new load of storm snow that is forecast. The deeply buried early season crust continues to be a concern. There have been reports of weak sugary crystals at the crust interface that may create an easy sliding surface and allow for wide propagations.

Regions covered