Lizard-Flathead

Continually assess conditions throughout the day and watch for building wind slabs.

We have some uncertainty in the forecast precipitation amounts for Wednesday.

Moderate

• Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.
• The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

On Sunday, evidence of a previous natural avalanche cycle was observed.

Also on Sunday, explosive control and human triggered avalanches were reported to size 1.5 in wind affected features. Loose dry avalanches were observed in sheltered, steep  terrain.

Up to 15 cm of new snow accompanied by strong southerly wind is expected by Wednesday afternoon. This falls over 60 to 90 cm of wind affected, settling snow that is generally bonding well to the mid December crust.

Below the crust, the snowpack is generally well settled and moist to the ground.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy with 3 to 7 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 2 to 7 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.