Lizard-Flathead

Localized danger may exist on steep slopes with wet snow.

A few small (size 1) avalanches were reported over the past few days including:

• Wet loose avalanches on sun-exposed slopes and at low elevations.

• Human-triggered wind slabs on north-facing slopes.

Looking forward, wet loose avalanches will become more likely as skies clear and the freezing level rises.

10 to 20 cm of dry snow may be found on north-facing slopes. Surfaces will gradually become wet over the next few days with rising freezing levels and sun exposure.

The facet/crust layer that caused large avalanches in March is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is unlikely to trigger under the current conditions.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy with up to 1 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud. 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.

Saturday

Sunny. 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.

Sunday

Sunny. 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +8 °C. Freezing level 3200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
• Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.