Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 28th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for lingering wind slabs on steep or unsupported slopes in the alpine. Although triggering slabs on deeply buried weak layers is unlikely under the current conditions, we'll be avoiding rocky start zones and thick to thin transitions for the remainder of the season.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, sledders triggered several small (size 1) wind slabs while high marking on southwest facing slopes and gullies in the alpine.
A natural loose wet avalanche cycle up to size 2 occurred on steep south aspects around treeline on Friday.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Haines Pass: 5-10 cm of recent snow sits over a thick rain crust below 1300m. At upper elevations, 50 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by wind.
Yukon: Extensively wind affected surfaces predominate alpine and exposed treeline terrain. In wind-sheltered areas at White Pass you may find up to 30 cm of soft snow. Sun crusts on steep solar aspects are most prominent at treeline, and may extend into the low alpine.
The mid snowpack is generally well consolidated and strong. A weak layer of surface hoar/crust/facets buried in early January is now over 1 m deep in most areas, and has not produced avalanche activity for several weeks.
The lower snowpack consists of basal facets, particularly in thin snowpack areas.
Weather Summary
Tuesday night
Clear. Light wind. Alpine low -10 °C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate northerly wind. Alpine high -6 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. Moderate southerly wind. Alpine high -8 °C.
Friday
5-10 cm of new snow. Moderate southeast wind. Alpine high -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Previous northeast wind has formed wind slabs on southerly aspects and in cross-loaded terrain.
Aspects: North, South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 29th, 2023 4:00PM
