Microwave-Sinclair

Recently formed wind slabs may be reactive to human triggering.

Data is very sparse this time of year. During periods of uncertainty, a cautious approach is always recommended.

On Saturday morning, a skier triggered a size 1 wind slab on an east aspect at 1800 m. It was 25 cm thick and slid on a melt-freeze crust.

Last Thursday, a skier triggered a size 2 wind slab on a NE aspect at 2350 m, which was 10-20 cm thick. Natural wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 and natural cornice releases were also observed.

A widespread surface crust formed following last week's warming event. At upper elevations, moderate to strong southwest winds will continue to redistribute new snow in exposed terrain.

There are two notable weak layers from February and March in the middle of the snowpack. These layers have recently gone dormant and are generally not expected to pose a hazard under the current conditions. However, a heavy trigger like a cornice fall may still have the potential to result in an avalanche on one of these layers.

Monday night

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with up to 3 cm of new snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1300 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 5 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level rises to 2000 m.

Thrusday

A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level rises to 2100 m.

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.
• If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.