Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

No recent avalanche observations reported in the Whitepass area. Further west (Haines Pass) a few human triggered wind slabs (size 1) were seen on Tuesday.

Fresh wind slabs may be reactive to human triggering on Thursday.

No persistent slab avalanches have been reported since early February.

If you are traveling in the mountains consider posting to the MIN.

Recent strong southerly winds and up to 10 cm of new snow may have formed fresh wind slabs on leeward slopes. These sit over firm wind-affected surfaces in exposed areas or softer, faceted snow in sheltered terrain. A crust may exist on steep solar aspects.

A weak layer of facets and a crust from early December is buried 60 to 100 cm deep. This layer exists on all aspects up to 1750 m. This layer has not been active in producing avalanches or test results in several weeks and is generally not a concern at this time.

At the highway elevation, the snow depth is 120 cm, and in the alpine exceeds 200 cm.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy with a trace of snow. 15 to 85 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. 30 to 85 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 15 to 45 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with a trace of new snow. 10 km southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.