Lizard-Flathead

Maintain good travel habits and continually assess for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. Snowfall begins in the afternoon will raise danger ratings for Monday. 

The weather pattern is changing as the upper ridge of high pressure over B.C. has flatten allowing the Pacific system to move over the province.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clear with cloudy periods, no precipitation, 40-50 km/h southwesterly winds, low alpine temperature -10 C with freezing level at valley bottom.

SUNDAY: Flurries beginning in the afternoon, accumulation 1 to 3 cm during the day and 15 to 25 cm overnight, 40-50 km/h southwesterly winds, high alpine temperature -5 C with freezing level at valley bottom.

MONDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20-40 km/h southwesterly winds, high alpine temperature -8 C with freezing level at valley bottom. 

TUESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with scattered flurries, accumulation 3 to 5 cm, 20-30 km/h northeasterly winds, high alpine temperature -12 C with freezing levels at valley bottom.

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Alpine terrain has variable wind effect. Surface hoar crystals exist on the snow surface in sheltered areas and a melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects. These will be important layers to track as they get buried by new snow. 

A widespread crust formed by rain a few weeks ago is around 15 to 30 cm deep.

The midpack is strong and well-consolidated above the early December facet/crust layer. This layer is not a concern under the current weather conditions.

• Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
• Carefully evaluate bigger terrain features on an individual basis before committing to them.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.