Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

  

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Light, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -11 / Freezing level valley bottom.

THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Light, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -8 / Freezing level valley bottom.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm. / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -5 / Freezing level rising to 1300 m.

SATURDAY: Snow; 10-15 cm. / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -3 / Freezing level 1500 m.

On Sunday, skier triggered and skier remotely triggered persistent slab avalanches up to size 2.5 on north aspects at treeline and below treeline were reported just northwest of Valemount. These avalanches failed on a very weak layer of surface hoar down 30-40 cm. and the sensitivity of this layer was described as "electric"! This layer has been found to be most prevalent in the areas surrounding Valemount.

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

Winds blowing from a variety of directions last week formed wind slabs in lee features at treeline and above.

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.
• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.