Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, Moyie, St. Mary.
The wind has rearranged the new snow and created deeper spots, which is where you're more likely to trigger a slab.
Seek out sheltered slopes for the best and safest riding.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday and Sunday, several small storm slabs and dry loose avalanches were triggered near Fernie. There were also reports of shooting cracks in open areas in the trees from the Lizard Range.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 15 cm of snow fell on the weekend accompanied by strong southwest wind forming larger deposits on north and east aspects.
Buried down 25 to 35 cm in sheltered areas is a layer of surface hoar that hasn't been reactive so far.
The bottom of the snowpack is generally expected to be well-settled and stable. Total snow depths vary from 100 to 150 cm at treeline.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 40 to 70 cm of snow. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for wind-loaded features.
Slabs may still be rider-triggerable so travel one at a time and watch for terrain traps.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2