Avalanche forecast

Microwave-Sinclair

Mar 15 – 16, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 2 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Human triggering buried weak layers remains possible.

Use extra caution on north-facing slopes at ridgeline where weak layers may be preserved and could be reactive to the weight of riders.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A buried weak layer of facets and/or surface hoar buried mid-February exists 50 to 80 cm below the snow surface. These layers are most prominent on north-facing slopes. Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

There has been no new avalanche activity reported in the last few days.

If you head into the backcountry, please consider posting a MIN report with photos and/or observations from your day.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 30 cm of recent new snow has buried a widespread layer of surface hoar, which overlies crust on solar aspects and at low elevations.

A layer of facets, surface hoar and/or a crust buried in mid February is 30 to 50 cm below the snow surface and has been reactive in snowpack tests.

Deeper in the snowpack, a weak layer of facets and a crust from early December can be found. This layer appears to be dormant but is still worth keeping in mind in thin snowpack areas in the alpine.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy with light flurries, 1 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Sunday

Partly cloudy with light flurries, 2 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud. 25 to 35 km/h northwest wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with light flurries, 2 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.

Regions covered