Avalanche forecast

Microwave-Sinclair

Apr 20 – 21, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Recently formed wind slabs may be reactive to human triggering.

Data is very sparse this time of year. During periods of uncertainty, a cautious approach is always recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Recently formed wind slabs may be reactive to human triggers.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Use extra caution around cornices. There is an isolated chance a cornice fall could trigger old weak layers in the snowpack.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday morning, a skier triggered a size 1 wind slab on an east aspect at 1800 m. It was 25 cm thick and slid on a melt-freeze crust.

On Thursday, a skier triggered a size 2 wind slab on a NE aspect at 2350 m, which was 10-20 cm thick. Natural wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 and natural cornice releases were also observed.

Snowpack Summary

A widespread surface crust is expected to have formed following Thursday's warming event. The recent snowfall has been redistributed by wind, and small wind slabs may be found in exposed terrain.

There are two notable weak layers from February and March in the middle of the snowpack. These layers have recently gone dormant and are generally not expected to pose a hazard under the current conditions. However, a heavy trigger like a cornice fall may still have the potential to result in an avalanche on one of these layers.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.

Regions covered