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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 8th, 2025–Mar 9th, 2025
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead.

Watch for signs of warming and be aware of overhead hazard.

Signs of buried weak layers may be hard to find, but they continue to be found in snowpack tests

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Recent explosive avalanche control and natural cornice fall has produced numerous storm 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.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25 cm of recent snow is settling on a widespread melt-freeze crust that exists on all sun-affected slopes, and as high as 1700 m on shaded slopes.

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.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1900 m.

Sunday

Mainly cloudy, with mixed precipitation beginning late in the day. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 2000 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud, with up to 15 mm of mixed precipitation overnight. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1500 m.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy, with up to 8 mm of mixed precipitation. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1500 m through the day.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A persistent weak layer is buried 80 to 130 cm. This layer remains a concern where there is no thick, supportive crust under the recent snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Loose Wet

With spring sun and freezing levels rising to 2000 m, wet loose avalanches will be most likely where there is significant loose snow over the crust, especially on steep slopes.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2