Be mindful of hard wind slabs that could produce larger-than-expected avalanches with little to no warning.
Recent cold, northerly winds have formed firm wind slabs in leeward and cross-loaded terrain. Wind slabs may be getting harder to trigger, but hard slabs could produce larger and more destructive avalanches than expected.
A widespread avalanche cycle was observed on Monday in the Inland regions, driven by strong northeast winds and producing wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5 in leeward and cross-loaded terrain.
With winds easing and minimal loose snow remaining for transport, natural avalanche activity is unlikely. Human-triggered avalanches remain possible.
Observations are limited, so be sure to post yours to the MIN if you get out!
Recent northerly winds have dramatically reshaped the snow surface. Firm, wind-scoured or wind-pressed conditions exist in exposed terrain, while recent wind slab formation has occurred in leeward or cross-loaded terrain.
The January 26 crust is buried roughly 50 to 100 cm deep at elevations below 1350 m. Surface hoar may persist above this layer on north through east, wind-sheltered slopes. The overlying snow is generally well settled and thick, making human triggering unlikely.
Weak facets or depth hoar exist at the bottom of the snowpack. And could be a concern in shallow areas.
Check out the AvCan Yukon field team's recent MIN report for more details on White Pass conditions.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -21 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 60 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -22 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
