Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Feb 8 – 9, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

The cooler weather has helped to stabilize the snowpack, however we continue to be wary of deeply buried weak layers.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs are becoming stubborn but may be triggered by riders in steep lee terrain features.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Multiple weak layers in the snowpack remain a concern. Most specifically facets on crust near the base of the snowpack. Be especially cautious in areas where the recently formed crusts near the surface are not supportive.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanche activity. Explosives control work in the north of the region produced a size 1.5 soft slab 10 cm deep in steep alpine/treeline terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Roughly 10 cm of accumulated new snow over a crust that tapers in thickness at higher elevations.

Below the fresh snow and mentioned crust, there is around 50 cm of moist snow that is drying out and strengthening with cool temperatures. Multiple crust and facet layers exist beneath and the base contains weak faceted grains and depth hoar, which will continue to be monitored for reactivity.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries with 2 to 4 cm accumulation. Alpine wind southwest 5 to 10 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries with 2 to 3 cm accumulation. Alpine wind west 5 to 10 km/h. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, isolated flurries with trace accumulation. Alpine wind north 10 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with sunny breaks. Alpine wind northwest 10 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Regions covered