Avalanche forecast

Lizard-Flathead

Nov 29 – 30, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 3 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Don't answer the call of the steep, wind-loaded gully. Definitely a scam! Even a small avalanche would be a big problem while these early season conditions prevail.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Pockets of wind-loaded snow sitting atop a weak, facetted lower snowpack may be found at higher elevations, primarily in east facing terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days. Little change is expected until it snows again.

Observations are limited this time of year. Please consider filling out a MIN report if you do head out in the backcountry! 🙏

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions are a mix of heavily wind-affected surfaces, sun crust on steep south and west-facing slopes, and 10-15 cm of faceting storm snow in shaded, sheltered areas. Surface hoar has been spotted growing on most of these.

A crust with facets below exists at or near the ground. At treeline, snowpack depths are between 40 and 60 cm. Below treeline, this tapers off quickly.

Expect early-season conditions.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Clear with valley cloud remaining below 2000 m. West alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h. Above freezing layer at 2500 m diminishing.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with valley cloud below 2000 m. West alpine wind 10-40 km/h, strongest in the alpine. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Thursday

Increasing cloud with valley cloud below 2000 m. Southwest alpine wind 5 to 10 km/h. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Friday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries continuing from overnight. Minimal accumulations. southwest alpine wind 15-40 km/h, strongest in the alpine. Treeline temperature -10.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Regions covered