Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.
Strong wind and abundant storm snow are driving the avalanche hazard. Natural avalanches may be seen on Wednesday and human-triggered avalanches are likely.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported due to poor visibility and stormy weather.
Natural avalanche activity may persist on Wednesday and human-triggered avalanches remain likely.
Snowpack Summary
In the past 72 hours, 30 to 60 cm of storm snow accompanied by strong southerly wind hit the region. White Pass received the higher amounts of snow, but the Wheaton and Tutshi areas weren't far behind. Warmer temperatures will help promote settlement in the recent snow but it may bond slowly, as it rests on weak facets and, in some isolated areas, on surface hoar. A thin melt-freeze crust exists at lower elevations that saw rain.
A persistent weak layer consisting of a crust with 20 cm of faceted snow above it is buried 60 to 100 cm, and extends up to 1700 m.
Total snow depths are around 100–180 cm at treeline.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing levels fall to valley bottom.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm. 20 to 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Friday
Clearing. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Remote triggering is a concern; avoid terrain where triggering overhead slopes is possible.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Fresh and reactive storm slabs exist. Expect the deepest deposits on leeward aspect terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
A layer of facets over a crust buried 60 to 90 cm deep and if triggered will likely produce large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5