Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.
Continue practicing safe travel habits and group management.
Consider the consequences of a small avalanche or any fall before committing to large features.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported at the time of publishing on Monday.
On Friday and Saturday near Fernie, a couple of small (size 1) rider-triggered wind slab avalanches were reported.
Snowpack Summary
Alpine and open treeline terrain is generally wind-affected. In wind sheltered areas, 30 to 60 cm of settling snow sits on the 10-20 cm thick, strong, rain crust that formed to mountain tops in early February. Weak, sugary crystals (facets) are starting to form above this crust.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1-5 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline around -4 °C. Freezing level to 1000 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 5-10 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline around -1 °C. Freezing level to 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 1-5 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1500 m. Treeline high around -1 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 1-2 cm of snow expected. Light west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0°C. Freezing level at valley bottom overnight, rising to 1600 m through the day.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
This problem is most likely where weak sugary snow is starting to form over a melt freeze crust that was buried on February the 3rd. Avalanches on this layer could propagate wider and run farther than expected.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5