Avalanche Forecast
Lizard Range and Flathead
When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanching on steep solar slopes.
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 Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
New snow and strong winds have formed thin slabs in leeward areas near ridge crests and convex features. These slabs may be touchy were they sit on a recent crust.
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
A size 2.5 glide slab avalanche was reported near Fernie on Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
Moist snow 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
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level rising to around 1800 m.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate to strong southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1900 m.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 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.