Avalanche Forecast
Lizard Range and Flathead
Rising temperatures and the chance for a bit of sunshine on Sunday may be enough to trigger loose wet avalanches on steep slopes facing the sun.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Give them a wide berth both from above and below.
- Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Recent storm snow and strong winds have formed wind slabs in leeward areas near ridge crests and on convex features which may be reactive to human triggers.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transition from thin to thick.
- Avoid areas that look freshly loaded with snow; especially convex features below ridgetops.
- Use caution when transitioning into wind effected terrain.
Avalanche Summary
Several naturally triggered wind slabs up to size 2 were reported near Fernie on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of recent storm snow and moderate winds have formed wind slabs sitting on hard crusts on lee features at treeline and above which may be reactive to human triggers. The upper snowpack contains numerous crusts.
The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong.
A layer of sugary facets around a crust can be found near the bottom of the snowpack which has been inactive for some time. This layer may be triggered by large triggers, such as a falling cornice, or by a major warm-up to the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature +5. Freezing level rising to around 2000 m.
MONDAY: Snow, accumulation 10-20 cm. Moderate to strong southeasterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature +2. Freezing level around 1500 m.
MONDAY NIGHT: Snow, accumulation 10-15 cm. Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1000 m.
TUESDAY: Snow, accumulation 5-10 cm. Moderate westerly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature +1. Freezing level around 1500 m.
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When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanching on steep solar slopes.