Avalanche forecast

Lizard-Flathead

Apr 3 – 4, 2017Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The sun will be out in force on Tuesday. As it rapidly warms the snowpack, there will be an increasing likelihood of avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2
    Cornices are large and may fall off naturally during periods of sun or from daytime warming.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Storm slabs may still be reactive on steep convexities and on wind loaded terrain features at higher elevations where the snow is still dry.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Solar triggered loose wet avalanches should be expected from steep sun exposed slopes during the heat of the day.

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Sunny, moderate southwest wind, freezing level up to 2000 m after an overnight freeze.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, strong west wind, freezing level climbing to 2200 m with little overnight freeze.THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with snow/rain starting later in the day, moderate southwest wind, freezing level holding at 2200 m.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural and skier triggered size 1-1.5 loose wet avalanches were reported on Monday. On Sunday, a few small storm slabs were triggered by explosive avalanche control and ski cutting and a size 2 slab was triggered by a natural cornice fall.On Tuesday, storm slabs may still be reactive at higher elevations. Warm sunny weather will also increase the possibility of loose wet avalanches and cornice falls.

Snowpack Summary

Daytime warming will create moist surfaces, especially on southerly aspects. 10-20 cm of recent dry snow can be found on northerly aspects above 1700 m. Elsewhere the surface snow is experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle, forming thick supportive crusts overnight and moist snow during the day. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, and did not become reactive during the latest period of warm weather, rain, and strong solar radiation.

Regions covered