Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.
Heightened avalanche conditions remain where slabs have formed above a weak layer buried deep in the snowpack.
Evaluate slopes individually before committing to the terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, a group of skiers triggered a size 2, persistent slab avalanche in the Ladder Chutes, close to Fernie. For more details check out the MIN post.
A few natural loose dry avalanches were observed up to size 1 in steep terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Alpine and open treeline terrain is generally wind-affected. In wind sheltered areas, 30 to 60 cm of settling snow sits above a 10-20 cm thick, rain crust that formed in early February. In some areas, weak, sugary crystals (facets) are starting to form above this crust.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with 1 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline around -2 °C. Freezing level to 1000 m.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1600 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0°C. Freezing level at 1800 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0°C. Freezing level at 1900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
This problem is most likely where weak sugary snow is starting to form a weak layer above the early February crust. Avalanches on this layer could propagate wider and run farther than expected.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5