Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.
Terrain exposed to the wind should be approached with caution. If you find soft, loose snow, enjoy the good riding:) If you find dense, slabby snow, or see shooting cracks, expect that windslab avalanches will be easy to trigger.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported before 4 pm on Friday.
We expect that windslab avalanches are likely to occur under the weight of a rider anywhere that winds over 25 km/h are are forming the loose surface snow into slabs.
Avalanche reports from earlier in the week were limited to moderately sized windslab avalanches on east and north facing terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Soft, loose surface snow has been relatively unaffected by wind, even in usually windy areas.
Low visibility has limited field observations at higher elevations, but we suspect that you may find reactive windslabs and/or cornices below ridgecrests and in the highest alpine terrain.
The wind is forecasted to be fairly light to mountain top for the next few days, but if you do see wind transport where you are, then expect to also find reactive windslabs.
Snow depths at White Pass are around 100 cm in sheltered areas and 200 cm on wind-loaded slopes.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light southwest wind. Treeline temperature around -10°C. Possible temperature inversion might mean alpine temperatures are closer to -5°C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light southerly wind. Treeline temperature around -10°C. Possible temperature inversion might mean alpine temperatures are closer to -5°C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. Trace of new snow expected. Moderate southeast wind. Alpine temperature around -7°C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. Trace of new snow expected. Light to moderate southeast wind. Alpine temperature around -8°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
There is lots of loose snow available for transport. An increase in wind could form reactive new wind slabs at ridgecrests and in leeward terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2