Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 11th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

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Be careful around steep wind-loaded features, rider-triggered avalanches remain likely in leeward terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Field observations have been non-existent in the last week due to periodic closures of the Haines road. In a neighboring region, a natural storm slab avalanche (size 2) was observed Saturday on a west alpine slope near Mosquito Lake.

If you make it into the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Expect 30 to 40 cm of soft snow on the surface in areas sheltered from the wind. Moderate to strong wind has likely formed deeper, more reactive deposits in leeward terrain. The recent snow covers old, firm, wind-affected or wind-scoured surfaces and may not stick well to the old surface.

The midpack is generally strong and bridges the weak crystals at the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -12 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 5 of new snow expected. 30 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -3 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 5 cm of new snow expected. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -1 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 10 cm of new snow expected. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs will likely remain reactive to human triggering, especially near ridgelines and on convex rolls. Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Aspects: North, North East, South West, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2024 4:00PM