Avalanche Forecast
Lizard Range and Flathead
Be aware of the potential for moist or wet snow avalanches during the heat of the day, or if the sun makes an appearance. And pay attention to overhead hazards, like cornices.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Be sure to give them a wide berth.
- Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Summary
On Monday there was a report of a natural size 2.5 loose, wet avalanche that failed overnight on a northeasterly aspect in the alpine and ran for 600 m.
Widespread storm slab and loose wet avalanche activity up to size 2.5 was reported on Sunday following Saturday's storm. The new snow was reactive to skier and explosive triggers on all aspects above 1400 m. And one natural size 2.5 was reported on an easterly aspect at 1550 m.
On Friday skier's reported a close call on wind-loaded slope on a southeast aspect at 1940 m. Read their MIN report here.
Snowpack Summary
Rising freezing levels have caused the recent 25 cm of storm snow to become moist up to ridge top elevations, with minimal overnight re-freeze. Below 1400 m, rain has soaked the snow surface.
There are some reports of a surface hoar layer roughly 100 cm deep on north aspects at treeline, but no recent avalanche activity on this layer. Below this, the mid-pack is generally well settled and strong.
A layer of sugary facets around a crust exists near the bottom of the snowpack, but this layer has been inactive for some time.
Weather Forecast
TONIGHT: Cloudy, precipitation trace. Ridge wind moderate to strong, southwest. Alpine temperature near 0. Freezing level lowering to 1500 m.
WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Ridge wind moderate, southwest. Alpine temperature near -2. Freezing level 1800 m.
THURSDAY: Cloudy, flurries. Accumulation 5-10 cm. Ridge wind light to moderate, southwest. Alpine temperature near -5. Freezing level 1500 m.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny. Ridge wind moderate to strong, west. Alpine temperature near -2. Freezing level 2000 m.
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Rising freezing levels and daytime warming have been triggers for recent large, loose, wet avalanches. Once moving, a loose, wet release may have the potential to trigger a slab on a deeper weak layer.