Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.
Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers in isolated locations in the alpine.
Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs are more likely.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Saturday. However, observations are very limited during this time of year.
A size 3 persistent slab avalanche was reported on a southeast aspect in the alpine west of Kelsall lake on Thursday. It was suspected to have been triggered by solar radiation.
Observations are limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.
Snowpack Summary
20-30 cm of recent snow and light to moderate south wind may have formed wind slabs in isolated lee features in the alpine.
The recent snow sits over previously wind-affected snow surfaces on northerly aspects and sun crust on other aspects.
A weak layer of surface hoar/crust/facets buried in early January is now around 100 cm down in most areas. Operators continue to monitor this layer. A significant warming event or a large trigger (like a falling cornice) are the most likely things to activate this layer.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly clear / 10 km/h east ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -7 C / Freezing level valley bottom
Monday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-5 cm, then another 10-15 cm overnight / 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -4 C / Freezing level 800 m
Tuesday
Cloudy with flurries; 3-10 cm / 40 km/h east ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -2 C / Freezing level 1200 m
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud / 20 km/h east ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -1 C / Freezing level 1300 m
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers on lee aspects in the alpine.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2