Avalanche Forecast
Purcells
Snowfall amounts will continue to gradually accumulate over a variety of potential weak layers in the coming days.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Travel on ridges and/or ribs to avoid wind loaded slopes below
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Summary
Recent reports in the north of the region indicate numerous size 1-1.5 wind slab and loose snow avalanches in the alpine and tree line over the past few days. As snow amounts continue to accumulate and settle in the coming days, expect to see an increase in avalanche activity. Please submit any observations you may have to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
15-25cm of new snow accumulating through the weekend now sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust.
A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 40-60cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it.
Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY: Mainly cloudy with periods of snow in the afternoon and overnight accumulations 10-20cm, wind moderate east, alpine temperature -9
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks and isolated flurries, wind light northeast, alpine temperatures -10
THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, wind light to moderate northwest, alpine temperature -9
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New snow combined with moderate westerly winds will have formed wind slabs in the lee of terrain features