Avalanche Forecast
Purcells
Snow from recent storms will remain reactive on wind-loaded terrain features.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking or recent natural avalanches.
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, several size 1 wind slabs were triggered with explosives in the Golden and Invermere areas. There are no recent reports of natural or human triggered avalanches, but observations are limited. Please submit to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Recent storms delivered 20-40 cm, with deeper wind deposits at higher elevations. The new snow sits above various crusts and moist snow left over from the warm weather in late November. Two deeper layers have been reported including the November 10 surface hoar layer down 80 cm and the Halloween crust down 100 cm. Information on the reactivity of these layers is limited. The average snow depth is over 150 cm in the alpine, 80-150 cm at treeline, and decreases rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY: 4-8 cm of snow overnight then gradual clearing throughout the day, light northwest wind, alpine temperatures around -10 C.
MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate northwest wind, alpine temperatures around -10 C.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind, alpine temperatures warming to -7 C.
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Wind and snow has formed small reactive wind slabs on the downwind side of ridges and gullies.