Avalanche Forecast
Lizard Range and Flathead
Forecast new snow and wind are expected to create fresh wind slabs reactive to human triggers.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use caution when transitioning into wind effected terrain.
- Avoid areas that look freshly loaded with snow; especially convex features below ridgetops.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transition from thin to thick.
Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
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.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Be sure to give them a wide berth.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Tuesday.
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
THURSDAY: 5-10 cm new snow. Moderate to strong southeasterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1300 m.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny. Moderate westerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level rising to around 1800 m.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level rising to around 2000 m.
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New snow and strong winds will form thin slabs in leeward areas near ridge crests and convex features. These slabs may be touchy were they sit on a recent crust.