Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

We're looking at classic unsettled spring weather for the forecast period: cloudy with isolated (sometimes intense) flurries.TUESDAY: Isolated flurries (local amounts 5-10cm possible) / Light to moderate southwest wind / Freezing level 1500mWEDNESDAY: Broken skies with isolated flurries (local amounts 5-10cm possible) / moderate south wind /Freezing level 1600mTHURSDAY: Flurries in the morning with 5cm possible / Light east wind / Freezing level 1300m

On Sunday we had reports of natural storm slab avalanches to Size 3 at treeline near Valemount, on a variety of aspects. On Friday skiers triggered a Size 1.5 wind slab quite low down on a slope - strong winds had transported snow farther than expected.Expect storm slabs from the weekend to continue to be reactive at upper elevations, especially if the sun comes out in full force.

In the south of the region, we had heavy snow and strong south-west winds (gusts over 60 Km/hr) during the weekend's storm. Temperatures also warmed up significantly. The end result: widespread storm slabs and reactive wind slabs at treeline and above, with significant cornice growth as well.All this new storm snow (30- 60cm) sits on older windslabs (or soft slabs) at treeline and above. Below 1900m, the new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust from last week's warm storm, and reports so far are that the new snow is bonding well to the old crust.Approximately 100-140 cm below the surface you may find the mid-February persistent weakness. Professionals in the region have warned that the load above this layer has reached a critical amount, particularly where it presents as a crust.Deep persistent weaknesses in the lower third of the snowpack still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller slab avalanches, especially if the sun comes out in full force.New snow totals in the north (Wells, Sugar Bowl) have been half to one-third of those in the south and avalanche danger is likely one step lower.