Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 17th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Assess for windslab hazard before committing to a bigger feature. Back off if you find shooting cracks or signs of recent avalanches. The recent snow seems to be bonding well, but windslabs may be reactive in exposed alpine terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Unsettled weather continues with light snowfall. Heavier snowfall is forecasted for Haines pass, but it is looking unlikely that it will push any further inland.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. 2-7 cm of snow expected. Moderate to strong southeast ridgetop winds. Freezing level falling to valley bottom. Alpine low around -6 °C.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. 0-5 cm of snow expected. Light to moderate southeast ridgetop winds. Freezing level around valley bottom. Alpine high around -3 °C.
SATURDAY: Mostly sunny. Possible short period of intense snowfall overnight. 0-2 cm of snow expected. Light to moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Alpine high around -4 °C.
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy. Possible trace of snow expected. Light to moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Alpine high around -5 °C.
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, northwest of White Pass, natural storm slab avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported on north through east features in the Alpine. It's estimated that they occurred sometime on Tuesday or Wednesday.Â
Over the weekend, avalanches to size 1 were observed along the Klondike Highway corridor on south and east aspects. Sensitive wind slabs to size 1.5 were reported in the White Pass area, from the switch to northwest winds.
If you head out into the mountains, and you have photos to share, conditions to report on, or just some stoke about the good riding, consider making a post on the Mountain Information Network.Â
Snowpack Summary
30-40 cm of recent snowfall sits over a wind pressed snowpack, or a crust on steep, south facing slopes. Recent winds have varied from southeast to southwest, creating deeper deposits on north and east facing aspects. The new snow seems to be bonding well to old surfaces. At lower elevations, where the wind has been calmer, expect the surface snow to be less slabby.Â
The lower snowpack is thought to be well protected by the dense layers above, and it is unlikely that avalanches will be triggered on weak, sugary crystals near the ground at this time.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent moderate to strong winds have been blowing from the southeast through southwest. Windslabs can be more reactive when they are fresh, so use extra caution if you can see blowing snow.
Watch for signs of instability, like shooting cracks or recent avalanches. Avoid steep, unsupported slopes that sound drum-like or hollow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 18th, 2022 4:00PM
