Avalanche forecast

Lizard-Flathead

Mar 16 – 17, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Variable amounts of snow fell in the region, mostly at alpine elevations. Watch for signs of instability, such as cracking and avalanche activity. Use caution at low elevations if the snow surface is still wet.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Precipitation fell mostly as rain at lower elevations and snow at higher elevations. New snow may not bond well to underlying surfaces.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    High freezing levels and recent rain have moistened the snowpack at lower elevations. Use caution in terrain features where a small avalanche could have serious consequences.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

We're looking at seasonal temperatures and light snowfall accumulations in a north / easterly flow. SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5-10 cm possible in eastern sections of the region, light northeasterly winds, alpine temperature +2 C, freezing level 1500 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 3 to 8 cm, light to moderate northerly winds, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1100 m.MONDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, moderate westerly winds, alpine temperature +1 C, freezing level rising to 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, several small wet loose avalanches were reported on sunny aspects at all elevations. A size 1.5 natural cornice failure was also reported on a high north east facing ridge line, which did not trigger any slabs below.

Snowpack Summary

Variable but overall small amounts of new snow fell at high elevations and rain fell at low elevations. This landed on a melt-freeze crust produced with the recent warm air temperatures, sun, and rain. The crust exists everywhere except for possibly on shady aspects at high elevations. Expect to find wet snow at low elevations.Deeper in the snowpack, the mid-December and late-November weak layers are composed of crusts and sugary facets, which are down 200-300 cm. These layers have been dormant but may be awoken by a large trigger, such as a cornice fall.

Regions covered