Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Jan 31 – Feb 1, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Until cold temperatures lock in this hot mess of a snowpack, dangerous avalanche conditions with persist.

It's a good idea to avoid avalanche terrain and spend time at the ski resort.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Wet loose avalanche activity can be expected from steep terrain. These avalanches could entrain significant mass and gouge to ground in shallow snowpack areas.

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Rain has impacted a weak and facetted snowpack. Wet slab avalanches could fail on or step down to buried weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack resulting in very large avalanches.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–4

    If triggered, this problem will likely be the full depth of the snowpack and could run below treeline. Avoid shallow, rocky start zones.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred in the past few days as rain impacted the snowpack. Numerous size 1-3 wet slab, wet loose and deep persistent slab avalanches have been observed on all aspects and elevations.

Until the snowpack gets locked in by cold temperatures, human-triggered avalanches remain likely. Avoid overhead exposure, very large natural avalanches are possible and have the potential to run to valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Rain has created a moist or wet upper snowpack at all elevations. A weak surface crust may have formed overnight but will break down quickly throughout the day.

The mid-snowpack has a couple of crusts and is generally faceted and weak above and below them.

At the base of the snowpack, weak faceted grains and depth hoar are present.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with clear periods. Alpine wind light from the south. Treeline temperature 2 °C, freezing level 2200 m.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h from the south. Treeline temperature 3 °C, freezing level 2500 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine wind light from the south. Treeline temperature 1°C, freezing level 2500 m.

Friday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Alpine wind 5 to 30 km/h from the northwest. Treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 1900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
  • Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches to run full path or even longer.
  • Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
  • Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.

Regions covered