Avalanche Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / southeast wind, 20-30 km/h / alpine low temperature near -9

TUESDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1300 m

WEDNESDAY - Cloudy with flurries, 5-10 cm / southwest wind, 40-60 km/h / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1400 m

THURSDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 1300 m

Avalanche activity is expected to lessen on Tuesday, with wind loaded pockets being the most likely areas to trigger an avalanche.

On Sunday there were several reports of storm and wind slab avalanches size 1.5-2.5 on all aspects and at all elevations.

On Saturday there was one notable report of a size 3 persistent slab avalanche southwest of Valemount that was remotely triggered (triggered from a distance) by a group of people.

Over the past four days there have been reports of numerous size 1-2.5 storm slab avalanches on all aspects at all elevations. These were mostly natural avalanches, with a few explosives triggered avalanches as well.

Regular snowfall over the past week brought about 30-50 cm of snow to the region. Moderate to strong southerly winds and warm temperatures have promoted slab development at treeline and in the alpine. 

Recent rain at lower elevations means that the surface may be either a melt-freeze crust, or wet snow below about 1500 m.

There is a weak layer of surface hoar now buried 70 to 130 cm. This layer has produced very few recent avalanches in the region, though it could still be triggered in isolated areas.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind.