Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.
Although natural avalanche activity is tapering off new snow remains reactive to human triggering due to a buried weak layer.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Saturday, several natural storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported. The new snow is poorly bonded to the old snow surface, and many size 1 human-triggered loose dry and storm slab avalanches were reported in steep terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow totals range from 40 to 60 cm, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. The new snow is boding poorly to the old snow surfaces, which includes melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar or facets in sheltered areas, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at ridgelines.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mainly cloudy with light flurries, 1 to 4 cm of snow. 15 to 25 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with a trace of new snow. 20 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -25 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with a trace of new snow. 10 to 25 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -25 °C.
Wednesday
Clear. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
40 to 60 cm of new snow is bonding poorly to underlying layers. Avoid north and east lee slopes where wind and new snow have formed slabs over weak layers. Watch for signs of instability: whumphing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5