Lizard-Flathead

Watch for cornices and wind slabs near ridgetops and be cautious on sun-exposed slopes.

MONDAY NIGHT: Clear, light west wind, treeline temperatures dropping below -4 C with freezing level to valley bottom.

TUESDAY: Sunny, light increasing to moderate southwest wind, treeline temperatures reach +4 C with freezing level climbing to 2200 m.

WEDNESDAY: Increasing cloud and some light afternoon flurries, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperatures reach +3 C with freezing level around 2000 m.

THURSDAY: Snow, 10-20 cm, decreasing southwesterly wind, treeline temperatures below 0 C with freezing level dropping below 1000 m.

On Monday, pinwheels and small loose wet avalanches were observed on steep and sunny alpine slopes.

On Friday, naturally triggered wet loose avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported on steep solar aspects in the alpine.

Sunny alpine slopes turned moist on Monday afternoon, 5-15 recent dry snow persists at upper elevations and in shady and north-facing terrain. 

Some small wind slabs may be found on lee features below alpine ridgetops. Cornices are large, looming, and capable of triggering avalanches when they fail.

The mid-pack is firm and well settled. Some faceted snow and a decomposing melt-freeze crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. 

Glide cracks releasing as full depth glide slab avalanches become more common in the spring and are extremely difficult to predict. Best practice is to avoid slopes with glide cracks.

• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
• Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.