Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Lizard-Flathead.
Check for pockets of wind slab around steep and high-consequence features.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
Sunday night: Blustery with alpine flurries, up to 10 cm with higher amounts near Waterton NP and the US border. Increasing east wind. Ridgetop low -14 C.
Monday: Unsettled and convective. Gusty and increasing east-northeast wind. Ridgetop high -8 C.
Tuesday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Moderate to strong east wind. Ridgetop high -10 C.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Light east wind. Ridgetop high -8 C.
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, small slab avalanches to size 1.5 were reactive to skiers and explosives, especially near ridgetop lee features.
A few wet loose avalanches were reported on Thursday and Friday, several from steep, rocky, solar terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Spring conditions have left a crust covered and deteriorating snowpack below 1600 m. At upper elevations, 5-20 cm recent and settling snow covers a crust on all aspects except high north terrain.
Multiple crusts exist in the upper snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.
Terrain and Travel
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Easterly winds Monday could build fresh slabs in less common areas. Watch for reactive pockets where wind creates stiffer and deeper deposits.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2