Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Haines Pass.
Be careful around steep wind-loaded features, rider-triggered avalanches remain likely in leeward terrain.
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.
Avalanche Problems
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