Avalanche forecast

Microwave-Sinclair

Mar 1 – 2, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Reactive wind slabs may exist on all aspects

Small avalanches may step down to weak layers, producing larger avalanches than you may expect.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The most reactive slabs will likely form on north/west facing slopes. Old slabs on other aspects may remain triggerable as they sit over weak layers

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak sugary facets over a hard crust or a layer of buried surface hoar may be susceptible to human triggers.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.On Tuesday a large (size 2) avalanche was reported at Hankin, full details in this MIN.

On Monday several large (size 2) naturally triggered avalanches were reported in the Babines in wind-affected terrain in the alpine.

We expect natural activity to taper off, but human triggering remains possible.

Snowpack Summary

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

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

Thursday Night

Cloudy, with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 25 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature low -16 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, with 0 to 1 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature high -10 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy, with 0 to 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature high -14 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 25 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature high -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.

Regions covered