Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.
Assess steep lines for wind slabs before committing.
Small rider triggerable slabs could still be found, due to previous strong wind they may be further down slope than expected.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new slab avalanches have been reported in the region since Wednesday.
If you are headed into the backcountry please consider sharing your observations via the Mountain Information Network
Snowpack Summary
Ongoing westerly wind has heavily impacted the snowpack . Westerly slopes are scoured and isolated wind slabs could exist on leeward aspects in the alpine and treeline.
The upper snowpack contains a variety of layers including a surface hoar layer just below the surface in sheltered terrain and a crust on or near the surface on solar aspects.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.
Snow depths at treeline range from 140 to 220 cm.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mix of cloud and clear sky with trace amounts of snow possible. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of snow possible. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud. 25 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of snow possible. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Ongoing westerly wind has scoured windward slopes.Strong winds may have formed wind slabs further down slope than expected.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5