Lizard-Flathead

Carefully assess bond of new snow to underlying surfaces, take extra caution transitioning into wind affected terrain.

Persistent weak layers still exist deep in the snowpack.

Recent explosive avalanche control and natural cornice fall continue to produced numerous slab avalanches up to size 2 in north through east facing alpine terrain.

Looking forward: Avalanches on buried weak layers may be difficult to trigger, but if one is triggered, it is likely to be large and destructive.

Up to 8 cm of new snow is being redistributed by strong southwest winds.

Below 1900 m, and on solar aspects, this sits on a surface crust from recent sun and warming.

At treeline and above, the new snow falls on 10-30 cm of snow that has been redistributed by predominantly southwest wind.

A weak layer of preserved surface hoar or facets from late January is buried 80 to 130 cm. This weak layer remains a concern where there is no thick, supportive crust under the recent snow.

The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Monday Night

Mainly cloudy, with up to 7 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy, with isolated flurries. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 °C.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy, with up to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy, with up to 15 cm of snow. 20 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.