Avalanche forecast

Lizard-Flathead

Feb 27 – 28, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 months ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.

Persistent slab avalanches are most likely in sheltered areas at treeline and below.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar, especially at treeline and below.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Persistent slabs could become more likely with the forecast weather.

Avalanche Summary

Our field team found the persistent slab problem to be reactive near Sparwood today. See MIN.

Observations are currently very limited in this region. Please consider sharing your observations with the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25 cm of recent snow and variable strong winds have formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects. Wind slabs formation has been extensive, even forming slabs in open areas below treeline.

A layer of surface hoar down 30 to 60 cm may become increasingly reactive to human triggers.

Persistent slab avalanches are most likely in sheltered areas at treeline and below, where the surface hoar is well preserved.

The mid and lower snowpack are well settled in some areas. In others, large facets (depth hoar) are present at the bottom of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night
Cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 80 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Friday
Cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday
Sunny. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Sunday
Sunny. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
  • Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.

Regions covered