Avalanche Forecast
Lizard Range and Flathead
When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanches on steep solar slopes.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.
- Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problem 2: Cornices
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Sunshine and warming temperatures will increase the likelihood of cornice fall.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Falling cornices may trigger persistent weak layers deeper in the snowpack.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Give them a wide berth both from above and below.
Avalanche Problem 3: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Flurries on Saturday may have formed small wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid areas that look freshly loaded with snow; especially convex features below ridgetops.
- Use caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region. Avalanche reports have been limited due to very few information sources this time of year. If you have been out, please post your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Cornices are large and looming. Flurries and strong westerly winds may have formed small wind slabs at treeline and above. Below the surface there are numerous crusts in the upper 100 cm of the snowpack.
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 dormant for some time. Large triggers, such as a falling cornice, or a major warm-up to the snowpack could trigger this layer.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light west wind. Alpine temperature +2. Freezing level 2100 m.
MONDAY: Sunny. Light southeast wind. Alpine temperature +3. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.
TUESDAY: Sunny. Light southwest wind. Alpine temperature +10. Freezing level rapidly rising to 3200 m.
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When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanches on steep solar slopes.