Lizard-Flathead

Numerous rider triggered slab avalanches continue to be reported in this region.

Triggering is most likely at treeline and above on wind-loaded slopes.

On Monday, numerous naturally triggered (by either wind or cornice fall) storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported on primarily northerly aspects in the alpine.

Numerous skier triggered storm slabs up to size 2 were reported on primarily north and east aspects at all elevations.

Up to 60 cm of recent snow and southwest winds formed slabs reactive to human triggers.

In most areas, the storm snow rests on a melt-freeze crust, except for high elevation north and east facing slopes.

A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets from late January is buried 100 to 150 cm. Rocky slopes with a convex shape on northerly and easterly facing aspects at treeline and above are the most likely places to trigger this layer.

The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Tuesday Night

Clear skies, 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -10 °C, freezing level valley bottom.

Wednesday

Sunny, 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -4 °C, freezing level 1600 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 3-10 cm, 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -5 °C, freezing level 1600 m.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries, 5-10 cm snow, 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -3 °C, freezing level 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
• Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.