Avalanche forecast

Yukon

Apr 4 – 5, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Keep an eye on the wind and snow transport. Slabs may be especially touchy where they overlie a crust.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind will continue to redistribute loose snow. Be cautious of wind slabs lurking in immediate lee features and cross-loaded gullies at treeline.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Large cornices have been observed in the region. As winds increase these could become increasingly reactive. Limit your time on slopes with these hazards above them, especially when the wind is blowing.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Monday night: Increasing cloud and wind, flurries in the morning. South wind increasing to moderate overnight. Ridgetop low -10 C.

Tuesday: Unsettled and windy, up to 5 cm. Models suggest Haines Pass will receive up to 15 cm. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Ridgetop high -6 C.

Wednesday: Flurries, trace to 5 cm. Moderate to strong south wind. Ridgetop high of -4 C.

Thursday: Flurries, trace to 10 cm. Models suggest Haines Pass could get up 20 cm. Strong and gusty southeast wind. Ridgetop high -3 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, skiers remote triggered a size 2 wind slab from 10 m away on a north aspect. They also saw evidence of a natural wind slab avalanche cycle in the last 2-3 days, with avalanches to size 2 failing in immediate lee features and steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Wind has redistributed recent snow into pressed surfaces and wind slab. Northerly and higher elevation terrain holds 10-30 cm settled and wind affected snow over previously wind affected surfaces. A crust is found on all aspects to 1200 m and to ridgetop on solar slopes. The middle of the snowpack is reported to be strong and well settled. Take note, cornices are large and looming.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Regions covered