Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Haines Pass, Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.
Check for fresh wind slabs before committing to large features.
Consider mellower terrain if you see blowing snow, or signs of instability like shooting cracks and recent avalanches.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, several small (up to size 1.5) loose dry avalanches were reported in steep alpine terrain.
Please consider sharing photos and observations from your day on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
With light snowfall continuing, expect Up to 15 cm of soft snow on the surface. Below this, expect to find firm wind-affected surfaces, hard crusts, or loose powder snow (primarily in sheltered north-facing terrain).
Large, fragile cornices can be found on exposed ridgelines and should be given a wide berth.
Below 1300 m the recent snow overlies a widespread melt-freeze crust.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow expected. Moderate south ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -8°C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow expected. Light to moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow expected. Strong south ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -3 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow expected in Haines Summit, 2 to 5 in White Pass. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and wind are building pockets of wind slab in lee features at ridgecrest.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5