Avalanche forecast

Microwave-Sinclair

Jan 26 – 27, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Warm temperatures up high may increase the likelihood of triggering an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Watch for steep convex rollovers, ridgetop entrances, and cross-loaded features.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A widespread crust with facets is buried 50 to 100 cm deep. Wind slabs may step down to this layer, producing large avalanches.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Warm temperatures up high may cause the surface to become wet.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, two large (size 2) wind slabs failed naturally on steep northeast aspects in the alpine.

Several natural and rider-triggered avalanches, up to size 2.5, were reported on the 18th and 19th of January. A number of these reports occurred on the weak layer from early December.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow has been heavily wind-affected in exposed areas. A crust exists below 1250 m, making for challenging travel conditions.

A weak layer of facets and a crust from early December is buried roughly 50 to 100 cm deep.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Clear. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C with a temperature inversion.

Sunday

A mix of sun and clouds. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C with a temperature inversion.

Monday

Sunny. 20 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C, inversion breaking down.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

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