Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Over the last three days, explosive control in the Lizard Range has produced numerous storm slabs up to size 2 (large). Last Thursday, a widespread natural cycle was observed in the Lizard Range with storm slabs up to size 2.5, and explosive control also produced numerous small storm slabs.

Up to 60 cm of recent snow has built widespread storm slabs in the region, with another 5 to 15 expected overnight Sunday. Due to southwesterly winds, slabs are expected to be especially reactive on lee north through east facing slopes near ridgetops. In most areas, the storm snow rests on a melt-freeze crust, except for high elevation north and east facing slopes.

A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets from late January is buried 100 to 150 cm. This layer triggered large avalanches earlier in March. The greatest concern for this weak layer is on upper-elevation northerly and easterly slopes. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Sunday Night

Cloudy, with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy, with a few sunny breaks. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.

Wednesday

Sunny. 25 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
• Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.