Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 20th, 2018 4:24PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

Flurries on Saturday may form small wind slabs on leeward slopes below ridgetops.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Cloudy with flurries; accumulation 5-10 cm. Strong southwest wind. Alpine temperature +2. Freezing level 1800 m.SUNDAY: Sunny. Light west wind. Alpine temperature +4. Freezing level 2000 m.MONDAY: Sunny. Light east wind. Alpine temperature +5. Freezing level 2100 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region. Avalanche reports have been limited due to very few information sources this time of year. If you have been out, please post your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and looming. Forecast snow and wind on Saturday may form small wind slabs at treeline and above. Below the surface there are numerous crusts in the upper 100 cm of the snowpack. The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong.A layer of sugary facets around a crust can be found near the bottom of the snowpack which has been dormant for some time. Large triggers, such as a falling cornice, or a major warm-up to the snowpack could trigger this layer.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Flurries on Saturday may form small wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.

Use caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain.Avoid areas that look freshly loaded with snow; especially convex features below ridgetops.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 21st, 2018 2:00PM