Avalanche forecast

Purcells

Feb 9 – 10, 2014Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

Increased snowfall and strong SW winds will increase the hazard late Monday. If you see anything of interest, please let us know by submitting an observation using the CAC Mobile App.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Light snowfall isn't expected to have a big impact Monday, but be sure that your plans allow for a safe exit from the backcountry as increasing snow and strong winds quickly increase avalanche hazard late in the day.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Synopsis:  The ridge of high pressure has long overstayed its welcome.  Thankfully it makes its exodus from the province opening the door to strong zonal flow that should deliver one storm after another this week.  Game on.Expect lesser amounts in the north of the region throughout the forecast period.Monday: Freezing Level: 800m; Precip: 5/10 cm Wind: Light, SWMonday Night: Wind: Light SW | Strong/Extreme W/SW at ridgetop.Tuesday: Freezing Level: 900m; Precip: 5/10 cm Wind: Light/Mod SW | Strong W/SW at ridgetop.Wednesday: Freezing Level: 1400m; Precip: 15/20 cm Wind: Moderate SW | Strong/Extreme SW at ridgetop.

Avalanche Summary

Activity over the weekend was limited to isolated pockets of small wind slab at ridgetop.

Snowpack Summary

The January 29th system left 10 - 20 cm of snowfall in it's wake with the greatest accumulations in the southern portion of the region. Winds largely dominated by northerly outflow formed pockets of wind slab up to 40cm deep immediately lee of ridgecrest, but they're mostly unreactive at this point.Just underneath the settled storm snow and raggedy old wind slabs lies a significant weakness composed of large surface hoar (widespread in most sheltered and shaded areas at all elevations), a sun crust on south facing slopes, faceted grains (in colder areas or areas with a thinner snowpack), or a combination of the above. This variable weak layer is expected to become a problem early next week when precipitation once again graces the province. The rest of the snowpack is generally well consolidated.In isolated areas where the snowpack is thinner or in steep rocky features a facet/crust weakness near the ground remains a concern. In most places the depth of this layer combined with the strength of the overlying slab makes triggering an avalanche unlikely. However, if you were unlucky enough to find a weak spot the consequences could be deadly serious.

Regions covered