Avalanche Forecast

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds with no precipitation, 10 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -6 C.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level rising to 1500 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -4 C.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 10 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -3 C.

Widespread loose wet and wet slab avalanche activity occurred during the warm-up on Wednesday. Similar avalanches are not expected to occur on Friday given the cool and cloudy weather forecast. 

Looking forward, riders may be able to trigger wind slabs in lee terrain features in steep alpine terrain.

Above 2000 m, 5 to 15 cm of recent snow may have formed wind slabs in lee terrain features from southwest wind. Below 2000 m, a hard melt-freeze crust or moist snow exists.

A weak layer that is isolated in nature may be found around 40 to 60 cm deep, which has been most prominent in the south of the region (e.g., access points between Clearwater and Valemount). The layer consists of surface hoar crystals in treeline terrain on northerly aspects or weak faceted grains above a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes (i.e., east, south, west). The last avalanche observation on this layer was March 20 near Blue River. The recent warm spell has likely made this layer dormant, but it should still be treated as suspect if you find it in your riding area.

The remainder of the snowpack is well-bonded.

• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.