Avalanche forecast

Haines Pass

Haines Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Natural avalanches have occured recently, which means we could still trigger one.  Remain vigilant of terrain traps, run out zones, and complex terrain over 30 degrees. Entering the backcountry with an assessment mindset and slowly checking things out will help prevent getting surprised.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    The clouds lifted today and multiple wide-propagating natural slides, D2-D3, were seen on N-NE-NW aspects in the transitional zone.  Surface conditions looked heavily wind affected with visual clues of wind slabs (convex pillows of snow on lee side of ridges and other terrain features.)  Dec. 10-14th snow water equivalent (SWE) was 5.5" in the Transitional Zone and 3" in the Chilkat Pass Zone. 8' wind drifts were reported on the pass, which has remained closed for several days. Wallowing conditions were reported in the field.  Snow is still consolidating. 

    (12/16/2023)

    Wind affected Old Faithful shoulder and a D2.5-3 avalanche 

Avalanche Discussion

Numerous melt-freeze crusts and small grain facet layers have been identified across all zones. These remain worthy of future investigation and layer tracking.

Three calm, cold and clear periods in the weather produced surface hoar in protected, wind sheltered areas: Nov. 12th , Dec. 2nd and Dec. 10th. 

Early season hazards continue to exist, except now deep unconsolidated snow has hidden rocks, branches and logs. Use caution.

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