Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.
Before entering avalanche terrain assess how the new snow is bonding to the rest of the snow pack.
A persistent weak layer in the snow means avalanches could step down and become large.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday: A natural cycle of small (size 1 to 1.5) storm slab avalanches was reported in the alpine on north aspects.
Over the weekend, explosive avalanche control and natural cornice fall continue to produced numerous slab avalanches up to size 2 in north through east facing alpine terrain.
Avalanches on buried weak layers may be difficult to trigger, but if one is triggered, it is likely to be large and destructive.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 25 cm of new snow has been moderately redistributed by southwest winds.
Below 1900 m, and on solar aspects, this sits on a surface crust from recent sun and warming.
A weak layer of preserved surface hoar or facets from late January is buried 80 to 130 cm. This weak layer remains a concern where there is no thick, supportive crust under the recent snow.
The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy, with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy, with 3 to 8 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud, with up to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Saturday
Mainly cloudy, with 3 to 5 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
New snow lands on a variety of surfaces from crust to facets/surface hoar, or wind affected snow. Expect deeper deposits in lee areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A persistent weak layer is buried 80 to 130 cm. This layer remains a concern where there is no thick, supportive crust under the recent snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3