Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Lizard-Flathead.
We are getting back into a seasonal spring trend with cool nights, warm days, and highly variable snow conditions with elevation and aspect changes. Be on the lookout for signs that suggest unstable snow.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, 10 km/h west wind, alpine low temperature -6 C, freezing level falling below 1600 m.
SATURDAY: Convective flurries and mix of sun and cloud, accumulations to 5 cm, 10 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature high +6 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2100 m.
SUNDAY: Sunny, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature high +8 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2300 m.
MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks and isolated showers, west wind gusting to 60 km/h, alpine high temperature +5 C.
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, one report noted a rider-triggered avalanche in a steep, north-facing chute. The slab was 20 cm thick and reportedly ran a long distance. Otherwise a few small wet loose avalanches were observed.
Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.
Snowpack Summary
At upper elevations 10-20 cm of snow since Tuesday formed wind slabs in lee terrain features. Sun has moistened the snow up to 2100 m and on sun-exposed slopes. The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts.Â
We're in classic spring-time conditions with crusts and moist snow at lower elevations and still winter-like conditions in the alpine. At ridge top, remember that cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
Terrain and Travel
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- 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
Cornices
Cornices are very large and are becoming more fragile with each day of warming. Stand well back on ridges and avoid travelling beneath them during the heat of the day.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Loose Wet
Use caution on sun-exposed slopes when the sun is shining. Relatively warm air and sun can pack a punch, causing loose wet avalanches that may entrain recent snow and travel far.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2