Microwave-Sinclair

A conservative approach to terrain is critical, watch for newly-formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

A few slab avalanches (up to size 2) were observed on Tuesday. They were a couple of days old days old and occurred during the last storm.

If you go into the backcountry, please consider submitting to the Mountain Information Network.

5 to 15 cm of new snow may accumulate by Wednesday afternoon. Strong southerly wind will likely form deeper deposits on northerly aspects.

Up to 40 cm of snow sits above a variety of old snow surfaces including soft, faceted snow in sheltered terrain and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain.

A layer of faceted snow on a crust and possibly surface hoar (in sheltered locations) is now buried 50 to 60 cm down.

A facet/crust layer from early December is buried approximately 70 to 110 cm deep. This layer is generally not a concern in this region at this time.

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with snow 3 to 5 cm. 25 gusting to 65 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with snow 5 to 10 cm. Less snow as you move further to the east. 40 gusting to 85 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. Isolated flurries. Snow 10 to 15 cm. 25 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Friday

Cloudy with sunny periods. 15 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Shooting cracks, whumpfs, and recent avalanches are strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.
• Conservative terrain selection is critical; choose gentle, low consequence lines.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.