Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 15th, 2018 4:24PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

Variable amounts of snow fell in the region, mostly at alpine elevations. Observe for signs of instability, such as cracking and avalanche activity. Use caution at low elevations if the snow surface is still wet.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with early-morning snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, light southwesterly winds, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level rising to 1800 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, light northeasterly winds, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1500 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 3 to 8 cm, light northerly winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1300 m.

Avalanche Summary

There were very few avalanche observations in the region on Wednesday. A small natural cornice fall was observed in the region on Wednesday, which did not trigger any slabs below.

Snowpack Summary

Variable but overall small amounts of new snow fell at high elevations and rain fell at low elevations. This landed on a melt-freeze crust produced with the recent warm air temperatures, sun, and rain. The crust exists everywhere except for possibly on shady aspects at high elevations. Expect to find wet snow at low elevations.Deeper in the snowpack, the mid-December and late-November weak layers are composed of crusts and sugary facets, which are down 200-300 cm. These layers have been dormant but may be awoken by a large trigger, such as a cornice fall.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Precipitation fell mostly as rain at lower elevations and snow at higher elevations. New snow may not bond well to underlying surfaces.

Keep an eye out for localized areas of deeper snow accumulation, particularly on eastern slopesUse caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow may form touchy slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 16th, 2018 2:00PM