Lizard-Flathead

Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.

Persistent slabs sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar may be possible to human trigger.

Moderate

• Persistent slabs could become more likely with the forecast weather.

On Tuesday, an explosive triggered size 2 wind slab was reported on a northeast aspect in the alpine.

Observations are currently very limited in this region. Please consider sharing your observations with the Mountain Information Network.

Up to 15 cm of recent snow accompanied by strong to extreme southwest wind has formed deeper deposits on north and east aspects. In sheltered terrain it could overlie a layer of surface hoar or a sun crust. The snow surface may become moist on sun exposed slopes.

Several weak layers comprised of facets, surface hoar, or crusts could exist in the top 20 to 60 cm of the snowpack.

The mid and lower snowpack are well settled.

Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday
Cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 80 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday
Sunny. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.
• Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
• In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.