Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.
Up to 60 cm of recent snow has formed reactive storm slabs.
These slabs will be most reactive on wind-loaded slopes and on sunny slopes during periods of strong solar radiation.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, numerous rider triggered size 1 storm slab avalanches were reported within the new snow at all elevations/aspects.
Additionally, several explosive triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported primarily on northerly aspects in the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 60 cm of recent snow and southwest winds formed slabs reactive to human triggers.
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. Large avalanches occurred on this layer 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.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Partly cloudy with isolated flurries, 0-3 cm snow, 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -8 °C, freezing level valley bottom.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud, 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -6 °C, freezing level 1400 m.
Wednesday
Sunny, 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -4°C, freezing level 1600 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with flurries, 5-10 cm snow, 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, treeline temperature -5 °C, freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
- Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Up to 60 cm of recent snow has formed reactive storm slabs. These slabs will be most reactive on wind-loaded slopes and on sunny slopes during periods of strong solar radiation.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets is buried 80 to 150 cm. This layer remains a concern on upper-elevation northerly through easterly slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches will become very likely when the sun comes out. Avoid overhead hazard from steep sunny slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5