Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.
Continuously assess conditions as you move through terrain.
Avoid thin-to-thick areas like rocky outcrops where you're more likely to trigger avalanches on weak layers.
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 60 to 100 cm deep. This layer exists on all aspects up to 1750 m.
At the highway elevation the snow is 120 cm deep and in the alpine exceeds 200 cm.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear. 10 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C, strong temperature inversion with a high of -5 °C in the alpine.
Wednesday
Mainly sunny. 10 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Temperature inversion, treeline temperature -15 °C, with a high of -10 °C in the alpine.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, 1 cm of snow. 15 to 25 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °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.
- 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. Avoid these areas where you are more likely to trigger weak layers. Minimize exposure to overhead hazards.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3