Avalanche Forecast
Lizard Range and Flathead
Expect to continue to see persistent slab avalanche activity as the snow sitting above the persistent weak layer further settles and consolidates with forecast warmer temperatures.
Avalanche Problem 1: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.
- Choose well supported terrain without convexities.
- Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Moderate winds have created fresh wind slabs in the alpine.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.
Avalanche Summary
There have been several natural avalanches (and the greatest concern) between 1600m and 1800m on steep or open glades on all aspects... this is where the mid December layer has been most active.
On Tuesday we had reports of several small loose avalanches triggered by the sun and warmer temperatures in the alpine. On Sunday we had reports of small features being reactive to sled cutting. See here for the MIN report - great information from a low-consequence slope. Additionally, an explosives-triggered Size 2.5 persistent slab avalanche was reported on a south east aspect at 1700m near Fernie, running on the mid-December surface hoar layer (down 65cm in that location).
Snowpack Summary
The mid-December layer (with variable distribution, but commonly found between 1600m and 1800m) is now buried 40-70 cm below the surface. This layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below treeline, and has been producing moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests.
At higher elevations, winds (at times strong from the south west) have modified the snow pack, creating an "upside-down" slab layer with stiffer snow on top of softer snow.
The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy / Alpine temperature -5 with possible temperature inversion above 2500m / Wind light west
FRIDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / Alpine temperature -1 / Wind light to moderate southwest
SATURDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / Alpine temperature -1 / Wind light to moderate southwest
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A weak layer composed of surface hoar and/or crusts is buried 40-70 cm below the surface. This layer continues to reactive.