Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Lizard.
Up to 25 cm of new snow may be seen by Friday afternoon. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
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Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, a natural wind slab avalanche (size 1.5) was reported from a steep northeast slope at 2000 m.
With new snow and strong wind forecast, natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 25 cm of snow is forecast by Friday afternoon and will likely have a poor bond to the old snow surfaces. These consist of faceted snow, surface hoar in shaded wind-sheltered areas and a hard melt-freeze crust found on the snow surface on sunny slopes. At high elevations, the new snow buries the widespread wind effect found in wind-exposed terrain.
The mid and lower snowpack is strong.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with snow up to 10 cm. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Friday
Cloudy with snow 10 to 25 cm. 15 gusting to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Saturday
New snow 5 to 10 cm. 15 gusting to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with flurries. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Reactive storm slabs will build through the day. Northeast aspects will likely see deeper slabs with wind loading.
Dry loose avalanches are likely from steep terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2