Avalanche forecast

Yukon

Mar 30 – 31, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Newly formed wind slabs are expected to be touchy on Thursday and cornices are expected to remain weak. 

Use extra caution around steep sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day; wet loose avalanches are expected. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Wind loading was reported on Wednesday and newly formed wind slabs are expected to be touchy on Thursday. Ongoing wind will continue to develop these slabs. They may be poorly bonded where they overlie a hard, old surface. 

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Large cornices have been observed in the region. Limit time traveling on slopes with these hazards above them. Avoid these slopes all together during times of warming or solar input.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Small loose wet avalanches are expected from steep sun-exposed terrain features during the heat of the day. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack. Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

Unsettled conditions are expected for Thursday before a weak storm system arrives on Friday. 

Wednesday night: Mainly cloudy with lingering flurries, moderate W winds, low around -6 °C at 1100 m.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with a chance of isolated flurries, light to moderate SW winds, high around -3 °C at 1100 m.

Friday: Light snowfall up to 10 cm, moderate S winds, high around -2 °C at 1100 m.

Saturday: Periods of light snowfall around 5 cm, moderate to strong SE winds, high around -3 °C at 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

An early report from Wednesday includes several dry loose avalanches up to size 1.5. The new snow is reported to have a poor bond to the old, hard surface. 

On Tuesday, some low elevation glide slab activity was observed from smooth rock slabs during the heat of the day. 

On Monday, two large natural cornice falls were observed. They did not pull a slab on the slope below but the debris from the cornice itself would have been very destructive. 

Snowpack Summary

Recent observations suggest the snow surface remains dry above around 1100 m. A crust is expected to form Wednesday night below this elevation. On solar aspects, there are multiple sun crusts in the upper snowpack. Wind distribution of the new storm snow was observed on Wednesday and wind slabs are expected to be touchy on Thursday, especially where they overlie a firm surface. Large cornices were reported at beginning of the week which may remain fragile with the recent mild temperatures. 

The middle of the snowpack is reported to be strong and well settled while the lower snowpack near the ground is reported to be faceted. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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