Avalanche Forecast
Lizard Range and Flathead
The character of a buried weak layer about 50 cm below the surface is not well known. It could give surprises. A cautious approach to travel is recommended.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.
Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
A variable weak layer buried approximately 50 cm below the surface will likely remain sensitive to human-triggered avalanches after the storm ends. Sheltered areas with steep, unsupported terrain are the most likely places to be caught.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
Avalanche Summary
A natural avalanche cycle up to size 2.5 was observed on Wednesday with avalanche depths typically 50 cm deep. On Thursday, ski cutting readily released avalanches in wind-loaded terrain on mainly southeast to north aspects.
Snowpack Summary
Around 50cm recent new snow now rests on a variety of old surfaces. These old surfaces include crusts on south through west facing slopes, wind-scoured slopes and, in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, large feathery surface hoar crystals. Lower in the snowpack, you should be able to find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30cm thick and extends from 1600m to mountain top on all aspects. Average snowpack depths at treeline in the region range from 100 to 140cm.
Weather Forecast
Thursday night: 5-10 cm new snow expected.
Friday: Flurries. Light northeasterly winds. Treeline temperatures around -12C.
Saturday: Dry and sunny. Moderate northwesterly winds. Temperatures around -15C.
Sunday: Dry and sunny. Light northwesterly winds. Temperatures around -15C.
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Wind slabs exist in exposed terrain due to recent new snow and wind.