Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 14th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Cornices.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Things to always think about are pockets of wind slabs in steep alpine terrain, the possibility of cornice failure, and snowpack warming when the sun is out.
Summary
Confidence
High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Mainly clear, some high cloud. Light wind from the northwest. Treeline temperatures drop to -15 C.
FRIDAY: High cloud increasing in the afternoon. 10-30 km/h wind from the west. Treeline temperatures rise to -8 C.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with light flurries. Light variable winds. Treeline temperatures rise to -10 C.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with light flurries. Light southerly winds. Treeline temperatures around -12 C.
Avalanche Summary
A very large cornice-triggered wind slab avalanche (size 3) was observed near White Pass on Tuesday. This avalanche occurred on an east aspect in the alpine.
Several small human-triggered wind slabs (size 1) were reported during the outflow wind event on Monday and Tuesday.Â
Looking forward, avalanche activity is unlikely given the current cool, unsettled weather trend. However, always be ready for the possibility of pockets of wind slabs in steep alpine terrain, cornice failures, and wet loose avalanches if the sun is out.
Snowpack Summary
Earlier in the week, strong northerly wind hammered the region, leaving sastrugi and hard wind-affected snow on the surface. Sun crusts are found up to 1400 m on south and west-facing slopes, while surfaces on other aspects are dry. The mid-snowpack is generally strong, overlying weak basal facets at the base of the snowpack.Â
Check out the Yukon Field Team's MIN from Wednesday for a picture of current conditions!
Terrain and Travel
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Cornices
Cornices are large this time of year and may have been weakened by recent cold temperatures. Exposure to cornices should be minimized, especially during periods of warm temperatures or strong sun. Give them a wide berth when you are travelling on ridge lines and avoid overhead exposure to large cornices.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 15th, 2022 4:00PM
