Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Lizard-Flathead.
Look for wind slabs before entering steep terrain.
Confidence
High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds with no precipitation, 10 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -6 C.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level rising to 1900 m.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 10 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -1 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2100 m.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 10 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level rising to 2100 m.
Avalanche Summary
A few small (size 1.5) avalanches were triggered by riders and naturally in lee terrain features on Tuesday.
Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.
Snowpack Summary
5 to 10 cm of snow will build on the 10 cm that accumulated on Tuesday. Small wind slabs may be found in lee terrain features in the alpine. All this snow sits on 10 to 20 cm of consolidated snow over a hard melt-freeze crust. Below treeline, the snowpack is moist and consolidated. At ridge top, remember that cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts.
Terrain and Travel
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs may be found in lee terrain features. Assess for slab properties before committing to steep terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2