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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 5th, 2023–Mar 6th, 2023

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

Regions

Lizard-Flathead, Akamina, Flathead, Lizard.

Carefully assess conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

The sun packs a punch this time of year, brief periods of strong solar input could increase the reactivity of wind slabs.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Late last week numerous natural and explosive triggered storm slabs up to size 2 have been reported. These avalanches have generally been on north and east aspects at treeline and above. A couple natural cornice falls have also been noted with additional reports of wind transport continuing to build cornices.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slab could be found on all aspects in exposed alpine and upper treeline terrain with the largest slabs likely found on easterly aspects. Up to 50 cm of soft snow from last weeks storm can be found on non wind effected slopes.

The mid-snowpack is generally well settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and have not produced recent avalanche activity. We continue to track the layer and watch for any signs that it could wake up and produce very large avalanches.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy with the possibility of light flurries bringing a few centimeters of new snow. Light southeast winds. Low of -16°C at 1800 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing a few centimeters of new snow. Light southerly winds and a high of -6°C at 1800 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light westerly winds and a high of -6°C at 1800 m.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Light to moderate southeast winds and a high of -8°C at 1800 m

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of strong sun.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.