Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Nov 30 – Dec 1, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Weak layers in the snowpack warrant careful terrain choices and watching for signs of instability like cracking or whumpfing.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind from the west may have formed wind slabs along ridgelines and in exposed terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Avalanches on weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack are possible on steep smooth slopes.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Since the weekend, several size 1 to 1.5 deep persistent slab avalanches have been reported in the Invermere area. These 40 cm thick slabs are failing on weak basal snow and have been triggered by both riders and explosives.

No wind slab avalanches have been reported, though wind transport has been observed.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline snow depths are 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine. Surface snow is being redistributed by wind in exposed areas but remains soft in sheltered terrain.

In the Invermere area, weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack has caused several small but notable deep persistent slab avalanches. Similar conditions are likely in the South Rockies, though observations are limited.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with 1 to 2 cm of snow in the Purcells. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow in the Purcells. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

Sunny. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Regions covered