Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Jan 28 – 29, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 2 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Highlights

Warm temperatures and sun may destabilize the surface snow on sunny slopes.

Shady, sheltered slopes may still provide good riding.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Watch for surface snow becoming moist on sunny slopes. Rollerballing and pinwheeling are indications that the snow is primed for wet loose avalanches.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, riders on a south slope in the alpine triggered a wind slab avalanche (photo below).

The surface snow on sunny slopes may produce small wet loose avalanches with temperatures above 0°C.

If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting your observations to the MIN.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Clear. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Tuesday

Sunny. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. An above-freezing layer above 2000 m. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

Wednesday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy with trace snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The snowpack is generally stable; it may be appropriate to step out into more complex terrain.
  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.

Regions covered