Avalanche Forecast
Lizard Range and Flathead
The snowpack remains highly variable with few reports from the region. Reactive wind slabs may exist at upper elevations and new snow amounts may be higher than forecast. Use a conservative approach to terrain selection.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Limited observations, use a conservative route selection, moderate angled and supported terrain.
- Be careful with wind loaded areas, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche observations have been reported. As wind continues to redistribute the new snow, expect to find wind slabs building in lee areas above 1600 m. In the high alpine, winds have scoured southwest facing slopes, loading northerly aspects. Watch for pillowy snow and signs of instability like hollow, drum-like sounds or shooting cracks. Many areas below treeline are below threshold depths for avalanches. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
At upper elevations20-40 cm of snow has fallen on the crust that formed after last week's rain and warming. At this point, Im not sure if the recent snow is bonding to the buried crust. Ridgetop winds are likely redistributing the new snow above 1600 m, possibly forming wind slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features. Reports from the area indicate that the buried crust is supportive, up to 10 cm thick and extends to mountain top elevations on all aspects. The average snowpack depth at treeline elevation is 60-80 cm and may not have reached threshold in most places. A deeper snowpack exists at upper elevations. The snowpack remains highly variable in regards to aspect and elevation.
Weather Forecast
Friday: Mainly cloudy with new snow amounts 2-7 cm. Strong ridgetop winds from the West. Alpine temperatures near -10 and freezing levels near 1000 m.
Saturday: Cloudy with new snow amounts 5-15 cm. Moderate ridgetop winds from the South West. Alpine temperatures near -8 and freezing levels 1000 m.
Sunday: Cloudy with new snow amounts 3-10 cm. Light ridgetop winds from the North West.
Local enhancements are possible with new snow amounts. Visit the Mountain Weather Forecast for a detailed weather report.
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Winds have redistributed the new snow possibly forming wind slabs 20 to 40 cm thick on lee slopes above 1600 m. The recent snow may have a poor bond to the buried crust.