Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2018 4:18PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

New snow and strong winds have formed wind slabs in leeward areas near ridge crests and on convex features which may be reactive to human triggers.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with flurries; accumulation 5-10 cm. Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature 2. Freezing level around 1700 m.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature 4. Freezing level rising to around 2000 m.MONDAY: 5-10 cm new snow. Light northeasterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature 1. Freezing level around 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of recent storm and moderate winds have formed wind slabs sitting on hard crusts on lee features at treeline and above which may be reactive to human triggers.There are some reports of a surface hoar layer roughly 100 cm deep on sheltered northerly aspects at treeline, but no recent avalanche activity has been reported on this layer. Below this, the mid-pack is generally well settled and strong.A layer of sugary facets around a crust can be found near the bottom of the snowpack which has been inactive for some time.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and strong winds have formed wind slabs in leeward areas near ridge crests and on convex features which may be reactive to human triggers.

Use caution when transitioning into wind effected terrain.Avoid areas that look freshly loaded with snow; especially convex features below ridgetops.Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transition from thin to thick.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Rising freezing levels and daytime warming have been triggers for recent large, loose, wet avalanches. Once moving, a loose, wet release may have the potential to trigger a slab on a deeper weak layer.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Be sure to give them a wide berth.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2018 2:00PM