Avalanche forecast

Lizard-Flathead

Jan 17 – 18, 2026Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 8 months ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

A layer of warm air is expected in the alpine today.

Cornices may fail as well as small wet loose avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Avoid being under cornices during the forecast warm alpine temperatures.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Wet loose avalanches may occur in steep terrain when the surface becomes moist from sun or daytime warming.

Confidence

High

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

Avalanche Summary

A few small wet loose avalanches were reported on Thursday.

A crust has formed on the surface making avalanche activity unlikely.

A natural avalanche cycle occurred at the beginning of the week, many avalanches (size 1-2) occurred on all aspects and elevations.

Snowpack Summary

A crust or moist snow exists on the surface at most elevations due to recent rain and warm temperatures. Below this, the upper snowpack is slowly drying out with colder temperatures.

There are multiple crusts in the mid and lower snowpack, and it is generally dense and well-settled.

The average snowpack depth at treeline is roughly 150 to 200 cm.

Weather Summary

Friday Night
Clear skies. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Saturday
Sunny. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Above freezing layer (AFL) in the alpine.

Sunday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Monday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
  • Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
  • Avoid sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.

Regions covered