Haines Pass
Peligro de aludes
Lo esencial
An atmospheric river will bring heavy precipitation, warming temperatures, and strong south winds. These conditions are expected to rapidly increase avalanche hazard, with the potential for natural and human-triggered avalanches, including roof avalanches. Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in avalanche terrain and areas exposed to avalanche paths as loading continues.
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Avalanche Discussion
Snowpack & Avalanche Problems
A widespread, deep, persistent weak layer has created a poor and unstable snowpack structure following prolonged dry conditions and cold temperatures in December. While several smaller surface layers exist, the primary concern is how ongoing and incoming loading is interacting with this fragile structure.
Storm snow and wind slabs are actively building and adding load to the snowpack as strong winds redistribute snow and freezing levels hover near 1,000 feet. At lower elevations, rain on snow is rapidly degrading snowpack strength. This combination of loading and weakening is overwhelming buried layers. Large avalanches are occurring or are imminent, and avalanches initiating in the upper snowpack can step down into deeper layers and become more destructive. Human-triggered avalanches are especially likely in thinner areas of the snowpack, such as near ridgelines, rocks, and other transitions from thick to thin.
With multiple inches of snow water equivalent falling over a short period and continued precipitation into next week, avalanche conditions are expected to persist or worsen, with natural avalanche activity possible.
Travel Advice
Avalanche terrain is very dangerous as loading continues. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended under current conditions. Avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees and areas exposed to overhead avalanche paths. Even small or short slopes can have serious consequences, particularly where they transition into flatter terrain or terrain traps where snow can pile up. Avalanches may also run farther than expected. Watch for clear signs of instability such as recent natural avalanches, cracking, collapsing, and whumphing.
The scale is not linear. Your risk increases about two-fold for each rising level on the danger scale. In other words, you take on twice as much risk at Moderate as Low, and you take on four times more risk going from Low to Considerable. And so on. Source: https://utahavalanchecenter.org/avalanche-danger-scale
Additional Hazards
In town, and around houses, beware of roof avalanches as temperatures increase. Deep snow can hide tree wells, stumps, and other obstacles, increasing the risk of non-avalanche injuries, especially in forested terrain. Freezing temperatures, strong winds, and heavy precipitation add another layer of risk. These conditions can slow rescue efforts, reduce mobility, and increase the severity of injuries if something goes wrong in the mountains. Remember that bears can be active even during the winter months.
Ongoing Considerations
Conditions will continue to evolve, and the snowpack will vary across short distances as you move between aspects, elevations, and terrain features. Continue to assess conditions as you travel. We currently have very limited information and funding, so please read and submit observations and report any avalanches you see. Consider supporting the center by donating or becoming a member or community partner.
Practice companion rescue skills with your partners and make sure everyone’s beacon, shovel, and probe are functioning properly—and that each person knows how to use them.
Regular general avalanche information products are published every Friday morning at 6am during the 2025-2026 winter season.