Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2017 4:19PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

The best and safest riding may be in sheltered terrain around tree line

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Friday: Flurries, accumulation 5-10cm / Light east wind / Alpine temperature -4Saturday: Periods of snow, accumulation 10-15cm / Light southwest wind / Alpine temperature -3Sunday: Periods of snow, accumulation 10-15cm / Light to moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2More details can be found on the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

There is no recent avalanche activity to report from the last few days.

Snowpack Summary

In general, snow surfaces are best described as heavily wind affected with scouring and sastrugi formation noted on many terrain features tree line and above. Crusts can be found near the surface on solar aspects at high elevations and on all aspects below 1600m. There have been isolated reports of a surface hoar layer from early January buried about 40 cm deep in sheltered areas, although not much is known about its current reactivity. About 70cm below the surface, you'll find sugary facet crystals which formed during December's cold snap. Although avalanches are currently unexpected at this interface, this layer could come back to life with with warming, significant loading or a large trigger at a thin spot.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may still be reactive to the weight of a person.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2017 2:00PM