Avalanche Forecast

Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

While cold temperature are with us through the weekend it looks like things will warm up a bit next week.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Overnight low temperature around -25 C, moderate southeast wind, no snow expected.

SUNDAY: Clear skies, daytime high temperature around -20 C, light southeast wind, no snow expected.

MONDAY: Clear skies, daytime high temperature around -20 C, light variable wind, no snow expected.

TUESDAY: Scattered cloud cover, daytime high temperature around -14 C, light to moderate west/southwest wind, no snow expected.

Wind slabs which may be sensitive to human triggering are likely to be found in steeper wind exposed terrain. Small, dry loose avalanches may be possible in steep, sheltered terrain where the snow is still soft. 

The region has taken quite a bit of north wind over the last week with a bit of southeast wind expected this weekend. This MIN from Friday does a great job of showing current conditions. In wind-sheltered locations, you may find up to 10 cm of light snow sitting on an old firm surface. 

In wind exposed terrain, the wind effect is extensive and vast fields of sastrugi and wind crust can be found.  

A buried weak layer of surface hoar may still be found around 90 cm deep. It was found around Log Cabin and also in Powder Valley (see here). Avalanche activity on this layer hasn't been reported since the first week of January and isn't expected to spike without a substantial snowfall or warming trend.

The lower snowpack is strong around White Pass but a thinner and weaker snowpack structure is expected inland, such as in the Wheaton Valley and the south Klondike.

• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.