Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Yukon.
Cold temperatures and outflow (generally north) winds continue to blow. There is some uncertainty about the distribution and sensitivity of wind slabs. If you venture out in the frigid conditions it's best to seek out what little wind sheltered terrain you can find.
Confidence
Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Cold temperatures and continued winds generally out of the north are going to be with us through the forecast period.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Around -25 C, strong east wind, no significant precipitation.
THURSDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, alpine temperature -29 C, moderate north wind, no significant precipitation.
FRIDAY: Sunny, alpine temperature -29, moderate to strong northeast wind, no significant precipitation.
SATURDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, alpine temperature -26 C, light northeast wind, no significant precipitation.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche observations. The brutally cold temperatures are likely tempering any avalanche activity.
Snowpack Summary
Strong northeast wind has prevailed since late last week, stripping away snow in exposed terrain and depositing it in lee terrain features. Isolated wind slabs may still be found.
Snow depths at White Pass average around 150 cm; deeper locations (higher terrain west of the highway) have as much as 200 cm. It's reasonable to expect a thin snowpack with sugary facets in the Wheaton Valley, although we don't yet have observations to confirm this.
Terrain and Travel
- Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong outflow winds have stripped away snow in exposed terrain. Pockets of wind slab near ridge crest may still be sensitive to human triggering.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2