Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Feb 7 – 8, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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

    Watch for reactivity in wind-affected features where fresh snow has fallen.

  • 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

A few dry loose in steep 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 with multiple crust and facet layers beneath. The base contains weak faceted grains and depth hoar, which will continue to be monitored for reactivity.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 3 to 5 cm accumulation. Alpine wind southwest 5 to 10 km/h. Treeline temperatures -4 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Alpine wind 5 to 10 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks, with isolated flurries with trace accumulation. Alpine wind variable 10 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Friday

Cloudy with sunny breaks with isolated flurries and trace accumulation. Alpine wind variable 10 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Regions covered