Avalanche Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Snow; 5-10 cm. / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -10 / Freezing level 800 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Moderate, west ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -5 / Freezing level 1200 m.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -8 / Freezing level 800 m.

TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -7 / Freezing level 900 m.

New snow and wind may continue to overload a weak layer of surface hoar that has been observed in the areas surrounding Valemount. Large human triggered avalanches are likely on Sunday.

Data in this region is sparse. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network. 

Another layer of large surface hoar was reported in the areas surrounding Valemount and has now been buried by new snow. 

An active weak layer is now down 30 to 70 cm. The distribution of this layer is variable. In some areas it's surface hoar and/or a crust; in others this layer may be difficult to find if it exists at all. Recent human triggered avalanches have been reported on this layer and have been most numerous in the areas surrounding Valemount.

There is a prominent crust near the base of the snowpack. This crust likely has weak facets above and/or below it. There have been no recent avalanches reported on this layer, but would be most likely to trigger in steep, shallow, rocky terrain, with a thin to thick snowpack.

• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
• Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
• Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
• Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.
• Avoid traveling in runout zones. Avalanches have the potential to run to the valley floor.