Lizard-Flathead

Watch for wind slab formation in exposed alpine terrain with increased winds starting Thursday.

Several solar-triggered, wet loose avalanches up to size 1 were reported on Tuesday in steep, south-facing terrain.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Dry, powder snow remains on shaded (northerly) slopes. While moist snow or thin crusts exist on solar slopes and all aspects below ~1700 m.

The mid-snowpack is generally well-settled.

The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity in this area, but professionals continue to monitor for signs of it becoming active.

Wednesday night

Mostly clear. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries and trace accumulation. Moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with isolated flurries and trace accumulation. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop winds. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.