Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jminifie,
Avalanche Canada
Yukoners are tough. And some will still get out into the mountains during this cold snap. Keep in mind that extreme cold temperatures increase the consequences of an avalanche involvement so it's a good time to choose terrain wisely.
Although the snowpack in the northern area of the Yukon Region is shallow, there is now enough snow in wind deposited terrain features to create avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches have been reported from these areas. This is likely due to the shallow snowpack limiting riding opportunities for the time being. If you find yourself in the Wheaton Valley, Powder Valley, or Paddy Peak areas, please submit a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
The area received up to 10cm of very low density snow Thursday night as the warm and cold air masses collided. That new snow was quickly picked up by strong north winds and redistributed in pockets of wind slab in the alpine and upper treeline.
The snowpack for areas including the Wheaton Valley, Powder Valley, and Paddy Peak continue to be shallow and wind affected. At tree line, there is approximately 30cm of snow on the ground and at higher elevations the snow has been scoured to ground in exposed areas and deposited up to 125cm deep in others. It is in these more deeply deposited areas that avalanches are now possible.
Weather Summary
Friday night
Clearing overnight. No new snow. North winds at 30km/h. Temperatures dropping to -27˚C.
Saturday to Monday
Cold and clear. North winds at 20km/h. Temperatures near -33˚C with the wind chill making it feel like -40˚C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh snow was quickly picked up and distributed into wind slab at alpine and upper treeline elevations. Avoid wind loaded features during this time of continuous strong north winds.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2022 4:00PM
