Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 22nd, 2017 4:18PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

Conditions are improving, but watch for lingering wind slabs in wind affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Isolated flurries with up to 5 cm by the morning, light north winds, alpine temperatures around -7.TUESDAY: Cloudy, light north winds, alpine temperatures around -10.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy, light north winds, alpine temperatures around -10.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on the weekend. Human triggering wind slabs will remain possible at higher elevations.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of light snow covers settled storm snow from last week. Last week's storm delivered 20-40 cm of heavy snow with freezing levels up to 1600 m. Crusts can be found near the surface on solar aspects at high elevations and on all aspects below 1600 m. 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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded features at higher elevations.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2017 2:00PM