Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 11th, 2023–Jan 12th, 2023

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, Moyie.

Likelihood of triggering deep persistent layers may be decreasing, however, they remain a primary concern. Specifically in shallow, variable, rocky terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several natural storm slab avalanches were reported throughout the lizard range on Monday. Generally occurring above 1900 m on northerly terrain. Size range from 1 to 2.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack continues to settle and stabilize. A widespread melt-freeze crust is buried by roughly 40 to 80 cm. The crust ranges in thickness from 1 cm at higher elevations to 20 cm thick at lower elevations. The mid-snowpack is generally well consolidated below the crust. A weak layer of large facets and a crust persists down 70 to 150 cm from the surface. The snow below the crust is generally weak and unconsolidated.

Treeline snow depths are roughly 150 to 200 cm.

Weather Summary

Wednesday night

Cloudy with isolated flurries, and trace snow. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with flurries, and trace snow. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -0 to -5 C.

Friday

Cloudy with light snow, 0 to 5 cm. Moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Freezing levels 2100 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with snow, 2 to 10 cm. Moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Freezing levels 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Conditions may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Human triggering of deep weak layers remains possible in terrain with shallow, variable snowpacks. Where supportive to riders, a melt-freeze crust may be providing a bridging effect, making it more difficult to trigger deeper layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5