Avalanche forecast

Microwave-Sinclair

Mar 3 – 4, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Seek out wind-sheltered terrain at treeline and below where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs may step down to deeper layers triggering larger than expected avalanches.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak sugary facets overlying a crust or a layer of buried surface hoar may be susceptible to human triggers in isolated areas.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday a large (size 2) avalanche was reported at Hankin (photo below, full details in this MIN.)

No other recent avalanches have been reported, but field observations have been very limited.

Snowpack Summary

In alpine and open treeline areas, 15 to 30 cm of wind-affected snow sits over a variety of surfaces including facets over a crust, old hard wind slabs, or surface hoar. The surface hoar is most likely to be found in sheltered areas at treeline and below.

Soft snow and good riding can still be found in wind-sheltered areas.

Another layer of weak, faceted crystals and a crust may be found buried 30 to 60 cm deep.

The lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and strong.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy, with 0 to 1 cm of snow. 35 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -19 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -22 °C.

Monday

Sunny. 25 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -10 °C.

Tuesday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -9 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.

Regions covered