Avalanche forecast

Microwave-Sinclair

Apr 7 – 8, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Solar radiation will be a driver for avalanche hazard as recent storm snow sees clear skies for the first time.

Be aware of changing conditions and back off steep slopes if the surface is moist.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Recent snow and moderate northwest wind are building fresh wind slabs above 1400 m in direct lee features like the downwind side of ridges, peaks, and terrain breaks.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3

    A persistent weak layer is buried 1 - 2 m. Recent reports are pointing to this layer gaining some strength with facets rounding and the crust breaking down.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Clear skies will allow for strong solar radiation to impact recent storm snow for the first time. Watch for surface snow becoming moist and back off steep slopes while solar radiation is intense.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of solar radiation will affect the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday a large, size two avalanche was triggered by a snowmobile. The release was in an open alpine feature and may have involved a weak layer down 75 to 150 cm.

On Monday, the field team observed a recent natural size 1 wind slab avalanche.

Going forward, sunny clear skies will likely initiate a wet loose cycle as recent storm snow sees sun for the first time.

Snowpack Summary

Sunny skies and continued northwest winds are creating variable surface conditions:

  • At upper elevations above 1400 m, up to 20 cm of storm snow that has been redistributed by strong northwest winds.

  • At treeline and below roughly 5 to 7 cm of dry snow overlies moist and/or refrozen surfaces.

  • On solar-facing slopes recent storm snow is being impacted by the sun and becoming moist.

The most recent storm snow overlies wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain and faceted snow in sheltered terrain.

A thick crust with faceted snow from late January can be found at a wide range of depths, from 75 to 150 cm.

We do not have concerns about the snowpack below this layer.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday
Sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Thursday




More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.

Regions covered