Microwave-Sinclair

Avoid large features as wind slab avalanches, if triggered, could be large.

Seek out sheltered terrain where the best and safest riding hides.

Moderate

• Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

In Sinclair on Thursday, the field team saw several large (size 2-2.5) wind slab avalanches that failed on facets underneath the recent storm snow and wind loading. Likely occurring within the past 48 hours, on east to northeast aspects.

One size 2 avalanche was reported on a south face at 1500m in the Seaton area on Tuesday.

15 cm of new snow that fell with warm temperatures and strong southerly winds now overlies a previously wind-affected and faceted layer. Below 1300 m, recent warm temperatures and rain have formed a crust.

A layer of surface hoar has been observed at depths of 70 to 110 cm throughout the region, but no avalanches have been observed on this layer recently.

Snowpack depths vary throughout the region but are generally around 150-200 cm deep at treeline.

Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
• Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.