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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 2nd, 2026–Apr 3rd, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.

Regions

Haines Pass, Chilkat Pass.

We have some uncertainty about the likelihood of persistent slabs. In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are the best defense. Seek out low-consequence terrain.

Confidence

Low

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
  • We are uncertain about how quickly persistent slabs are gaining strength.

Avalanche Summary

Last Saturday, a skier-triggered size 2 persistent slab was reported on the US side of the border. This avalanche occurred on a northwest aspect at approximately 1500 m and ran on the mid-February layer. This layer is a concern in our region as well.

We suspect that avalanche activity has been tapering off over the past few days, but observations have been limited. If you are heading into the mountains, please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

At ridgelines and in exposed terrain, strong winds have formed slabs and hard wind-pressed surfaces. Softer snow may still be found in sheltered areas or faceting northerly aspects. A sun crust may be present on or near the surface on sun-exposed slopes.

A persistent weak layer of facets and crust is buried 80 to 150 cm deep, extending up to about 1400 m. The greatest concern for triggering comes from large loads, such as cornice falls, or from human triggering in areas where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick. This layer appears most reactive closer to the coast, with decreasing reactivity further inland.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly clear skies. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. 4 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes in the alpine.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.