Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.
Continue to make conservative terrain choices as the storm settles and pay attention to conditions that change with elevation.
Storm slab reactivity could increase if the sun comes out.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Over the past few days numerous natural and explosive triggered storm slabs up to size 2 have been reported. These avalanches have generally been on north and east aspects at treeline and above. A couple natural cornice falls have also been noted with additional reports of wind transport continuing to build cornices.
Snowpack Summary
30 to 50 cm of recent storm snow sits on wind affected surfaces at all elevations. Deeper deposits exist in north and east facing terrain features due to west and southwest winds.
Check out this great MIN that discusses conditions near Fernie.
The mid-snowpack is generally well settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and have not produced recent avalanche activity. We continue to track the layer and watch for any signs that it could wake up and produce very large avalanches.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly clear with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Moderate southeast winds and a low of -12°C at 1800 m.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing a few centimeters of new snow. Moderate southeast winds easing throughout the day and a high of -8°C at 1800 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected. Light southerly winds and a high of -7°C at 1800 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected. Light southwest winds and a high of -5°C at 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of strong sun.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent snow and westerly winds will likely keep the storm slab problem sensitive to rider traffic. The largest and most reactive slabs will be found on north and east aspects. AS the wind begins to change direction reverse loading could occurre on some west facing slopes.
Storm slab reactivity could increase if the sun comes out.
Cornices are growing large as a result of the recent stormy weather, reduce exposure to these overhead hazards.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2