Avalanche forecast

Yukon

Jan 12 – 13, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Wind slabs are expected to be reactive to rider triggers

Persistent layers remain a concern. Avoid exposure to large, open slopes and thin or rocky start zones where triggering is more likely

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Fresh and reactive wind slabs have formed over hard, wind affected surfaces.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    A widespread layer of facets sits 70-100 cm deep. In shallower inland areas, depth hoar exists. It is most likely to be triggered in areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin or by a wind slab avalanche stepping down.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Uncertainty is due to the fact that persistent slabs are particularly difficult to forecast.
  • Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Reports are limited; however, on Saturday, natural avalanches up to size 3 were observed. Wind slab avalanches are expected to continue as strong winds persist.

On Wednesday, explosive control triggered up to size 3 avalanches in the interior of the region, releasing on multiple layers, including lower snowpack facets.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine terrain remains heavily wind affected, with light snowfall each day redistributed into deeper deposits on north and east facing slopes. South facing slopes remain scoured.

At treeline a small surface hoar layer exists 50-80 cm deep. The lower snowpack consists of 60-100 cm of weak facets, with depth hoar in shallower areas.

Alpine snowpack depths vary widely due to wind effect, ranging from 130-250 cm across the region.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night
Cloudy. 3 to 8 cm of snow. 20-30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 500 m.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50-70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 50-80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 400 m.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 20 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Regions covered