Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Dec 6 – 7, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wind slabs may be reactive in leeward terrain features in the alpine.

Concern remains for a weak layer near the base of the snowpack in shallow areas with facets over a crust.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Lingering concerns remain for wind slabs in leeward features resulting from recent westerly wind.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Avalanches on weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack are becoming less likely, but remain possible on steep, smooth slopes.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, a small (size 1.5) natural deep persistent avalanche occurred near Invermere. It was on a northeast aspect in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline snow depths are generally 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine. New surface hoar is growing on the surface in sheltered terrain. Wind-affected surfaces are expected in exposed terrain at higher elevations. A new sun crust is likely forming on steep, sun-exposed slopes.

In the Invermere area, weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack has caused several small but notable deep persistent slab avalanches.

Early-season hazards are present at all elevations. Stay alert and assess terrain carefully.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly clear. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 15 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with up to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
  • Triggering deep layers is more likely if the snow surface didn't freeze overnight.

Regions covered