Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Haines Pass.
Choose conservative, low consequence terrain.
Buried weak layers remain rider triggerable.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Many natural and rider-triggered avalanches released on Thursday on the weak layers described in the Snowpack Summary (see photos below). These weak layers may take some time to strengthen, meaning they will likely remain active to human traffic for the foreseeable future.
Please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Recent storm snow has been redistributed by southerly winds and has likely formed wind slabs near ridge crest. As the winds switch direction wind effect could be found on all aspects.
The snow surface on sun exposed slopes will likely become moist during the day.
Weak layers of surface hoar crystals and/or faceted grains may be found around 30 to 70 cm deep. This layer has produced recent avalanche activity and is unstable in snowpack tests.
Cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Clearing skies with trace amounts of new snow in the early evening. 20 to 35 km/h north alpine wind. Treeline temperature -12°C.
Monday
Sunny. 15 to 35 km/h northwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -3°C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 5 to 15 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -2°C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow in the AM. 10 to 25 km/h southeast alpine wind. Treeline temperature -1°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets and surface hoar buried last week may still be rider triggerable.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Recent southerly winds have likely formed wind slabs near ridge crests. If triggered wind slabs could step down to a deeper layer.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches could occur on steep sun exposed slopes. These avalanches could step down to a deep layer.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5