Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.
Watch for newly formed, reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, explosive control produced three size 1 storm slabs from north-facing alpine terrain.
No new avalanches were observed on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 15 cm of new snow has fallen in the past 24 hours. Accompanying southwest wind has redistributed this new snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations.
Below the new snow, a melt-freeze crust exists below approximately 1500 m.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and stable.
Snow depths at treeline range from 120 to 180 cm.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with up to 1 cm of new snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with up to 15 cm of new snow. 25 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with up to 2 cm of new snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest switching to northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh, reactive wind slabs exist in lee and cross-loaded areas from yesterday's snowfall and wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5