Microwave-Sinclair

Large wind slabs are possible with buried weak layers showing reactivity in wind affected terrain.

Stick to conservative, low consequence terrain features while uncertainty is high.

Moderate

• We are uncertain due to how buried persistent weak layers will react with the forecast weather.

Our field team has observed natural wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5 on northeast aspects over the past couple days. These avalanches have run far and in some cases features have reloaded and avalanched a second time.
Please post any photos or observations to the MIN if you head out.

Up to 30 cm of recent snow can be found, with strong winds forming deeper deposits on north and east facing slopes. Windward slopes may be scoured back to an old crust.

Two prominent layers exist in the snowpack. A layer of facets from early February, around 40 cm deep. A thick crust from late January, 50-100 cm deep. Both of these layers are a concern in wind affected terrain.

The remainder of the snowpack is well settled.

Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.