Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.
Continue to assess conditions and approach wind-exposed terrain with caution. Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggering.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity has been reported.
If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
Strong southerly winds have redistributed surface snow into wind slabs up to 70 cm deep in lee slopes and terrain features. Below roughly 1700 m the upper snowpack has been saturated by recent rain and will likely freeze onto a widespread crust by Friday morning. In general, the mid-pack is well-settled with no significant weak layers of concern.
Snowpack depths are highly variable but generally average roughly 125 cm at treeline and 200 cm in the alpine. In areas where the snowpack is less than 1 meter in depth, it is reported to be faceted and unconsolidated.
Weather Summary
Thursday night
Mostly clear, with no precipitation. Moderate westerly alpine winds. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation. Light to moderate northerly alpine winds. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, no precipitation. Moderate northerly alpine winds. Alpine temperatures -10 to -20 C.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, no precipitation. Light northwest alpine winds. Alpine temperatures 0 to -5 C with potential for a temperature inversion.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong winds has formed wind slabs in lee slopes and terrain features. Assess for changing conditions throughout the day and as you gain elevation or change aspects. Use extra caution while approaching ridges and highpoints, where wind slabs are mostly likely found.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2