Avalanche forecast

Microwave-Sinclair

Jan 27 – 28, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
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.

  • Cornices

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

    Cornices may fail naturally during periods of warm weather.

  • 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.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, two large (size 2) wind slabs failed naturally on steep northeast aspects in the alpine. No avalanches have been reported since then.

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

Sunday Night

Clear skies. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C with a temperature inversion.

Monday

Mostly clear skies. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C with a temperature inversion.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 2 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with 5 cm of snow overnight and 2 cm during the day. 40 to 60 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.
  • Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.

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