Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Yukon.
We're expecting a strong north wind event Sunday night into Monday which may form small wind slabs above a slippery melt freeze crust. Avoid terrain being actively wind loaded.
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Trace of snow possible, strong north wind, freezing level at valley bottom.
MONDAY: Scattered cloud cover, potential for some light snow flurries, strong north wind, freezing level at valley bottom.
TUESDAY: Scattered cloud cover, no significant precipitation expected, moderate northeast wind, freezing level at valley bottom.
WEDNESDAY: Clear skies, no significant precipitation expected, moderate northeast wind, freezing level at valley bottom.
Avalanche Summary
A size 1 wet loose avalanche was observed Saturday on a steep south facing slope. A size 1.5 cornice failure was also observed, but it did not produce any slab avalanche activity when it impacted the slope below. This is the only avalanche activity that has been reported in the last week.
Snowpack Summary
A light dusting of fresh snow rests on well settled cold snow on north and east facing slopes, and on a melt freeze crust on south and west facing slopes. The snowpack is strong with no weak layers of concern. Weak facets can be found near the ground, but that interface has gone dormant for the time being.
Cornices are very large and exposure to them should be minimized, especially during warm or windy weather.
Terrain and Travel
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
We're expecting some strong north wind Sunday night into Monday that may form fresh wind slabs in terrain near ridge crest. Although small, any wind slabs that form will rest on slippery crust.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Although temperatures remain seasonally cool, the sun packs a lot of punch this time of year. Take care to avoid being on or underneath south facing slopes that are baking in the sun, especially after lunch.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2