Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Monday: Light snowfall becoming moderate overnight / Moderate to strong southerly winds / Freezing level at 1100mTuesday: Moderate snowfall becoming light by the afternoon / Moderate to strong southwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceWednesday: Mix of sun and cloud with a possibility of flurries / Light ridgetop winds / Freezing level at surface

Numerous size 2-2.5 sled-triggered slab avalanches occurred in the Valemount area over the last week. The February 10th interface was the culprit in these events. Isolated reports of remotely triggered avalanches in neighbouring regions also suggest that large slab avalanches on the February 10th interface are still a real possibility.

Light amounts of new snow are expected to overlie weak surface hoar in sheltered areas, a sun crust on solar aspects and thin wind slabs in exposed terrain. These new accumulations are likely to be reactive as wind slab in pockets of exposed terrain.The big news remains a mix of weak surfaces which were buried on February 10th. This persistent interface lies up to a metre below the surface, and includes surface hoar, well developed facets and a mix of hard surfaces which remain widespread at all aspects and elevations. Although natural avalanche activity has tapered-off at this interface, destructive avalanches are still a very real concern with ongoing reports of rider-triggering and sudden snowpack test result results. For the most part, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well consolidated. Weak basal facets exist in some areas, but triggering has now become unlikely.