Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 20th, 2017 4:54PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

It will take a few days for recent storm snow to settle and bond. A cautious approach is recommended at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, light winds, alpine temperatures around -4.SUNDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, light south winds, alpine temperatures around -5.MONDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, light southeast winds, alpine temperatures around -6.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, explosive control produced several size 1.5-2.5 storm slabs on north and east alpine slopes. Human triggering avalanches in the storm snow may remain likely at higher elevations over the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

A warm wet storm delivered 20-40 cm of heavy snow with freezing levels up to 1600 m on Thursday. Expect to find storm slabs at higher elevations, particularly on wind-loaded northeast slopes. At lower elevations moist snow will gradually freeze into a hard crust. The lower snowpack appears to be well settled. There have been isolated reports of surface hoar layers that formed in early January that may still exist about 40 cm deep in sheltered areas. A widespread weak layer of facets from mid-December can be found buried about a metre deep, but is generally considered dormant.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow has settled into slabs that are likely most reactive at higher elevations and on wind-loaded features.

Avoid steep, open slopes.The new snow will requires several days to settle and stabilize.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 21st, 2017 2:00PM