Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 4th, 2022 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
JSmith,
Avalanche Canada
Continued northeasterly winds are expected to form reactive wind slabs on lee features at all elevations.
Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies / Moderate northeast wind / Low of -35
WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Moderate northeast wind / High of -30
THURSDAY: Sunny / Light northeast wind / High of -26
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate north wind / High of -27
Avalanche Summary
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A naturally triggered size 2 wind slab avalanche closed the south Klondike highway early Tuesday morning near the north end of the highway corridor.
Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.
Snowpack Summary
20-40 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.
A weak layer of facets (sugary snow) has been reported down 20-50 cm in some areas.
The lower snowpack is made up of weak sugary snow. An avalanche at this interface is most likely to be triggered in shallow areas or with a large impact like a cornice fall or a larger wind slab avalanche that steps-down to these deeply buried weak layers.
Terrain and Travel
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Problems
Wind Slabs
20-40 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.
Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 5th, 2022 3:00PM
