Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Akamina, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.
Direct sun and rising freezing levels could weaken the snowpack on southerly aspects.
Minimize your exposure time below cornices and approach shallow rocky areas with caution.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Solar-induced wet loose avalanches occurred Tuesday on south aspects throughout the region, as conditions were clear and sunny.
Several small avalanches were reported over the last few days near Fernie, including skier-triggered wind slabs on alpine convex rolls, natural cornice falls and loose avalanches from steep terrain.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
At upper elevations, recent snow overlies a crust on solar aspects, faceted snow and surface hoar (up to 10 mm) in shaded and wind-sheltered areas. Wind-affected surfaces are also found in exposed areas. At lower elevations, a crust exists on or near the surface.
The mid-snowpack is generally well-settled, but a lingering persistent weak layer has shown some signs of reactivity near Leach Ridge a few days ago. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity. Professionals are still tracking it to watch for signs of it waking up.
Weather Summary
The region will be under a building ridge of high pressure, with calm and dry conditions for the next few days.
Tuesday night
Clear with cloudy periods. Low alpine temperatures of -9 °C. Light easterly ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Wednesday
Generally sunny. High alpine temperatures of -2 °C. Light easterly ridge wind. Freezing level rises to 2000 metres.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. High alpine temperatures of -4 °C. Light westerly ridge wind gusting 30 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1700 metres.
Friday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Isolated flurries. High alpine temperatures of -3 °C. Moderate westerly ridge wind. Freezing level rises to 1800 metres.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
- Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
- Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Lingering wind slabs are present in lee areas. These wind slabs may be bonding poorly to the underlying surfaces and be reactive to riders, especially on steep, convex slopes. Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2