Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies.
Continuously assess conditions as you move through terrain
Avalanches are possible where the upper snowpack feels "slabby"
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday several size 1 dry loose avalanches were observed in steep terrain.
On Friday a  size 2 remotely triggered avalanche was reported at treeline on a south aspect on a 35 degree slope.
Snowpack Summary
Exposed terrain in the alpine and treeline is variably wind-affected. In sheltered terrain a layer of surface hoar may be found just below the surface.
50 cm of faceted snow overlies a weak layer from late January. This layer consists of a crust on sun exposed slopes and a layer of surface hoar on all other aspects.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -22 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Cold temps are likely softening the upper snowpack. Wind slabs could still be triggered where the upper snowpack feels "slabby".
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Persistent Slabs
Human triggered avalanches are possible where a slab has formed above a weak layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or crust buried at the end of January about 50 to 70 cm deep.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5