Avalanche forecast

Lizard-Flathead

Apr 6 – 7, 2017Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate

Highlights

Freezing levels and precipitation amounts are uncertain. Danger may be CONSIDERABLE during periods of heavy rain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Strong winds and light snow will form fresh wind slabs at higher elevations where the snow is still dry.
  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2
    Cornices are large and may fall off naturally with daytime warming or rain.
  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Rain at lower elevations will cause loose wet avalanches in steep terrain.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: 10-20 mm of precipitation with strong southwest wind and snow line fluctuating between 1300 and 1800 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, moderate southwest wind, freezing level up to 1700 m after overnight freeze.SUNDAY: Cloudy with a chance of getting clipped by a storm to the south, freezing level around 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday or Thursday. Small avalanches are expected on Friday with the incoming storm.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate rainfall is expected at least up to treeline on Friday. Rain falling on a warm snowpack has the potential to produce loose wet avalanches in any steep terrain. At higher elevations, new snow and wind will form fresh wind slabs and cornices will grow bigger. The snowpack is well settled and transitioning into spring conditions. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but have not been reactive for a few weeks.

Regions covered