Microwave-Sinclair

Put your guard up as you approach wind-exposed elevations and carefully assess your line for wind slab hazards before committing.

Recent avalanche observations are limited to a few small dry loose avalanches. Over a week ago, there were several large (size 2 to 3) avalanches releasing on a 30 to 60 cm deep facet layer. While this layer still exists in the snowpack, triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely under the current conditions.

Recent strong southerly wind formed wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges. Terrain sheltered from the wind has about 10 cm of soft snow. This snow sits above a layer of surface hoar crystals. A weak layer of facets that formed during the arctic outbreak in December is buried 30 to 60 cm deep. Observations suggest it is fairly widespread, but not reactive to triggering under the current conditions.

Tuesday night

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Light south winds, increasing into the morning.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries and trace accumulations of snow, Light to moderate south winds. Treeline high temperatures around -3°C under a mild temperature inversion.

Thursday

Increasing cloud with scattered flurries bringing up to 5 cm of snow by end of day and continuing overnight. Moderate to strong southeast winds. Treeline high temperatures around -5°C.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries bringing less than 5 cm of new snow and increasing overnight. Moderate to strong southeast winds. Treeline high temperatures around -5°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.