Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.
Avoid shallow, rocky, wind-affected areas where human-triggering a slab is more likely.
Soft snow and good riding can be found in sheltered terrain features.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There have been no new persistent slab avalanches reported in the past week, but uncertainty remains regarding the early December layer mentioned in the snowpack summary.
If you're heading into the backcountry please consider making a MIN report with your observations and photos from the day. All information is helpful for forecasters!
Snowpack Summary
Previous strong outflow wind has impacted the snow surface in exposed terrain on all aspects and elevations. Ongoing cold temperatures have softened the upper snowpack in sheltered terrain.
A weak layer of facets and a crust from early December is buried 70 to 100 cm deep. This layer exists on all aspects up to 1700 m.
At the highway elevation the snow is 120 cm deep and in the alpine exceeds 200 cm.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Clear. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C, potential for strong temperature inversion with a high of -7 °C in the alpine.
Tuesday
Sunny. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C, potential for strong temperature inversion with a high of -5 °C in the alpine.
Wednesday
Sunny. 10 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C, potential for inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, 1 cm of snow. 15 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to a buried crust.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
The December weak layer may still be triggered in shallow, thin-to-thick areas, or with large loads like a cornice fall. Monitor alpine temperatures during the inversion. Minimize exposure to overhead hazards as temperatures warm.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3