Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Bull, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies.
A weak layer of snow is buried 50 to 70 cm deep and is still showing signs of instability.
Large alpine and treeline slopes are still a concern.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Saturday: No new avalanches have been reported though, signs of instability continue to be reported in the region,check out this MIN.
Friday : A large (size 2) remote triggered avalanche was reported at treeline on a south aspect on a 35 degree slope. A few small wind slab avalanches were reported on east aspects.
Thursday: A few large (size 2 to 2.5) natural avalanches were reported on a southeast and east aspects in the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
A dusting of snow now rests above 35 to 50 cm of soft snow, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. Cold temperatures have kept the recent storm snow loose and low density.
Variable wind speeds and directions through the storm and after mean that the extent of wind-affected snow at different aspects and elevations will vary across the region.
The recent snow has not bonded well to the late January drought layer, 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
Partly cloudy with flurries. 20 to 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -23 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may now be buried under a few centimetres of snow, watch for signs of instability like whumpfing or shooting cracks, and avoid areas where the surface feels more dense.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
Human triggered avalanches are possible anywhere that a slab has formed above a weak layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or crust buried at the end of January about 50 to 70 cm deep.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3