Lizard-Flathead

If you're seeing cracking in the new snow it may indicate that it's sitting on surface hoar.

Investigate before committing to your line.

On Saturday, several small storm slabs and dry loose avalanches were triggered near Fernie. There were also reports of shooting cracks in open areas in the trees from the Lizard Range.

Up to 15 cm of new snow fell accompanied by strong southwest wind forming larger deposits on north and east aspects. In sheltered terrain, this new snow could overlie surface hoar, making it triggerable for longer.

Another layer of surface hoar and/or crust can be found down 20 to 40 cm. Where this crust is thin or not present a layer of surface hoar may be found.

Check out this MIN from the Purcell side of this region and this one from the Fernie area.

The middle of the snowpack is generally expected to be well-settled and stable. Total snow depths vary from 100 to 150 cm at treeline.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud in the morning increasing to mostly cloudy with 1 to 2 cm of snow in the afternoon. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 30 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
• Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.