Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 25th, 2022–Mar 26th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Lizard-Flathead.

Wet loose avalanches are the biggest concern right now. They are most likely on steep slopes that are baking in the sun. They are less likely if you are finding a thick, supportive surface crust. Pay attention to changing conditions through the day. 

Confidence

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. No new rain/snow expected. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Freezing level falling to between 1500 and 750 m. 

SATURDAY: Scattered clouds. No new rain/snow expected. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Freezing level rising to 2300 m through the day.

SUNDAY: Scattered clouds. No new snow/rain expected. Light to southwest ridgetop wind, trending to strong at higher elevations. Variable freezing level could drop as low as 1000m overnight, rising to 2700 m through the day.

MONDAY: Mostly sunny with increasing cloud in the afternoon. No new snow/rain expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind, with periods of strong at higher elevations. Freezing level around 2300 m. 

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, a few small loose wet avalanches were reported during the warmest part of the day.

On Wednesday and Thursday, natural and rider triggered wet loose avalanches were reported on south-facing aspects from solar radiation and daytime warming (up to size 2). On Thursday, a few wet slab avalanches were reported in the alpine. 

Remember that a lack of reported avalanches does not necessarily mean that there is a lack of avalanche activity. If you are out in the backcountry, and have photos, conditions updates, or even just good vibes to share, consider making a post on the Mountain Information Network. 

Snowpack Summary

In high elevation, shady terrain, a skiff of cold, dry snow may be found on top of firm surfaces. Refrozen crust on all aspects up to 2000 m and on solar aspects in the alpine. Surfaces are softening in the afternoon at low elevations, and on steep, sunny slopes. Recent warm temperatures, sun, and rain have made the top 10-15 cm of the snowpack moist. 

The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.

Terrain and Travel

  • Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.