Avalanche forecast

Lizard-Flathead

Jan 14 – 15, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Allow the recent storm and wind slabs time to bond and stabilize.

Cold weather is forecast to warm, but is still a concern. Review this blog for strategies for managing the cold.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Recent storm snow requires time to stabilize and bond. Cold temperatures may prolong this process. Northerly winds may produce an atypical loading pattern.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity on Friday of both wind slab and storm slabs had been observed up to size 2.5. These naturally triggered avalanches were reported to have occurred during the past 48hrs. Thursday reports were mostly naturally triggered loose dry avalanches to size 1 in steep terrain in the alpine.

If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Northerly winds at all elevations have redistributed roughly 30 to 60 cm of low-density snow. This new snow has buried various old surfaces, including surface hoar in sheltered alpine terrain and sun-crusts on steep south-facing terrain.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well bonded with a series of crusts and facetted snow.

The average snow depth at treeline is approximately 70 to 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Clear with no precipitation, northwest alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -28 °C.

Sunday

Sunny with no precipitation, northwest alpine wind 15-30km/h, treeline temperature -24 °C.

Monday

Sunny with no precipitation, northwest alpine wind 10-20 km/h, treeline temperature -20 °C.

Tuesday

Sunny with no precipitation, northwest alpine wind 10-20 km/h, treeline temperature -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Regions covered