Avalanche forecast

Microwave-Sinclair

Mar 1 – 2, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 months ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Large wind slabs are possible with buried weak layers showing reactivity in wind affected terrain.

Stick to conservative, low consequence terrain features while uncertainty is high.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent wind affect is extensive, wind slabs could be found on most exposed features. Wind slabs triggered at higher elevations could run below treeline. Buried weak layers may be reactive in wind affected terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to how buried persistent weak layers will react with the forecast weather.

Avalanche Summary

Our field team has observed natural wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5 on northeast aspects over the past couple days. These avalanches have run far and in some cases features have reloaded and avalanched a second time.
Please post any photos or observations to the MIN if you head out.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of recent snow can be found, with strong winds forming deeper deposits on north and east facing slopes. Windward slopes may be scoured back to an old crust.

Two prominent layers exist in the snowpack. A layer of facets from early February, around 40 cm deep. A thick crust from late January, 50-100 cm deep. Both of these layers are a concern in wind affected terrain.

The remainder of the snowpack is well settled.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

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.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.

Regions covered