Avalanche forecast

Lizard-Flathead

Feb 26 – 27, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 months ago

Avalanche danger

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

Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.

Persistent slabs sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar may be possible to human trigger.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar, especially at treeline and below.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Persistent slabs could become more likely with the forecast weather.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, an explosive triggered size 2 wind slab was reported on a northeast aspect in the alpine.

Observations are currently very limited in this region. Please consider sharing your observations with the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of recent snow accompanied by strong to extreme southwest wind has formed deeper deposits on north and east aspects. In sheltered terrain it could overlie a layer of surface hoar or a sun crust. The snow surface may become moist on sun exposed slopes.

Several weak layers comprised of facets, surface hoar, or crusts could exist in the top 20 to 60 cm of the snowpack.

The mid and lower snowpack are well settled.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday
Cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 80 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday
Sunny. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
  • In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.

Regions covered