Avalanche forecast

Lizard-Flathead

Feb 23 – 24, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Carefully assess for firm, cohesive wind slabs in exposed terrain on all aspects.

Small avalanches on the surface can step down to deeper weak layers, creating large, destructive avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Recent snow arrived with northerly winds, forming wind slabs on unexpected slopes.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    A layer of large, weak basal facets exists and remains a primary concern in shallow snowpack areas, like the Flathead range, Bull river and Elkford area. Deep persistent slab avalanches are most likely to be triggered in areas with shallow, variable depth snowpacks.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle occurred during stormy weather on Tuesday, with numerous storm slab releases up to size 2.5.

Expect surface slabs to remain reactive to human traffic in wind-exposed areas where stiff wind slabs have formed.

Snowpack Summary

Roughly 30 to 40 cm of recent snow and moderate variable winds have formed fresh wind slabs throughout wind-exposed terrain.

The middle of the snowpack is generally well consolidated and sits on a thick crust.

The bottom of the snowpack consists of weak, sugary, basal facets and a crust that is of greatest concern in areas with shallower snow depths, like the Flathead range, Bull river and Elkford areas.

Weather Summary

Wednesday night

Mostly clear / Moderate to strong northeast ridgetop winds / Treeline temperatures -25 to -30 C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate to strong northeast ridgetop winds / Treeline temperatures -25 to -30 C.

Friday

Sunny / Light southwest ridgetop winds / Treeline temperatures -20 to -25 C.

Saturday

Sunny / Light to moderate ridgetop winds / Treeline temperatures -15 to -20 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Regions covered