Avalanche forecast

Lizard-Flathead

Apr 10 – 11, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 4 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Check for pockets of wind slab around steep and high-consequence features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Easterly winds Monday could build fresh slabs in less common areas. Watch for reactive pockets where wind creates stiffer and deeper deposits.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

Sunday night: Blustery with alpine flurries, up to 10 cm with higher amounts near Waterton NP and the US border. Increasing east wind. Ridgetop low -14 C.

Monday: Unsettled and convective. Gusty and increasing east-northeast wind. Ridgetop high -8 C.

Tuesday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Moderate to strong east wind. Ridgetop high -10 C.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Light east wind. Ridgetop high -8 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, small slab avalanches to size 1.5 were reactive to skiers and explosives, especially near ridgetop lee features.

A few wet loose avalanches were reported on Thursday and Friday, several from steep, rocky, solar terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Spring conditions have left a crust covered and deteriorating snowpack below 1600 m. At upper elevations, 5-20 cm recent and settling snow covers a crust on all aspects except high north terrain.

Multiple crusts exist in the upper snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.

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.

Regions covered